Every file you share online carries more information than you think. That vacation photo? It contains the exact GPS coordinates of where it was taken. That Word document? It may include your name, editing history, and the name of every person who reviewed it. File sharing privacy starts with understanding what you are actually exposing — and then taking steps to control it.

Strip Metadata Before Sharing

Metadata is hidden data embedded in every file. Photos include GPS coordinates, camera model, and timestamps. Documents include author names, revision history, and software version. Videos include recording settings and device information.

Before sharing sensitive files:

• Photos (iPhone): When sharing, tap Options at the top of the share sheet and disable Location and All Photos Data
• Documents: Use “Save As” to create a clean copy, or use a metadata removal tool
• Bulk removal: Apps like ImageOptim (Mac) or ExifCleaner strip metadata from multiple files at once

Use End-to-End Encrypted Services

Standard cloud services encrypt your files on their servers — meaning the provider holds the keys and can access your data. End-to-end encryption moves the encryption to your device, so the provider never sees your unencrypted files.

This distinction matters because:

• Server breaches expose your files if the provider holds the keys
• Providers can be legally compelled to hand over data they can access
• Some free services scan file contents for advertising or AI training

Choose services with zero-knowledge architecture — they structurally cannot access your content.

Minimize What You Share

Only share what the recipient actually needs:

• Send specific files rather than entire folders
• Redact sensitive sections of documents before sharing
• Use lower-resolution previews for proofing before sharing full-quality finals
• Avoid sharing original RAW files when edited exports are sufficient

Control Your Share Links

A share link is essentially a key to your files. Treat it accordingly:

• Revoke links after the recipient has downloaded
• Use expiring links when the service supports them
• Never post share links publicly (forums, social media, public chats)
• Share links through encrypted channels when possible (Signal, encrypted email)

Audit and Clean Up Regularly

Set a monthly reminder to:

• Review and revoke active share links you no longer need
• Delete files from sharing services once transfer is confirmed
• Check which apps and services have access to your files
• Remove old accounts on sharing platforms you no longer use

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my file sharing provider see my files?

It depends on their encryption model. Providers using server-side encryption hold the keys and can access your files. Providers using end-to-end encryption (like Stash) cannot — your files are encrypted on your device and the keys never touch their servers.

Do photos really contain GPS location data?

Yes. Most smartphone photos include precise GPS coordinates in their EXIF metadata by default. Anyone who receives the original file can extract this location data using free tools. Always strip location metadata before sharing photos with people you do not fully trust.

Is it safe to share files over messaging apps?

Messaging apps vary widely in security. Signal uses E2E encryption for attachments. WhatsApp encrypts messages but compresses media. Standard SMS/MMS has no encryption at all. For sensitive files, use a dedicated encrypted file sharing service rather than messaging.