Most of the popular ways to share files over the internet aren't necessarily the most secure ones, and that's a problem Mozilla has taken seriously. To address it, the organization introduces Send, a Test Pilot experiment that lets you send files protected by encryption directly from your browser. Once the download is complete, Send triggers the self-destruction of the links, or alternatively makes them expire 24 hours later.
Why Traditional File Sharing Falls Short
When I need to share a file, I usually upload a copy to Google Drive and send the download link to the recipient. Personally, I have no issues with that, but other users might not be comfortable with the idea of using a Google server for the exchange. The main problem is that most free options don't prioritize privacy and anonymity. Their basic idea is that all parties involved should be able to access the content whenever they need it.
In those cases, placing the file in a zip and protecting it with a strong password might sound like a good idea, but it's an extra inconvenience that few are willing to accept. Mozilla has a different vision, embodied in the new Test Pilot experiment called Send.
How Send Works
Unlike other experiments in the program, Send doesn't require any extension, and it should work on any modern browser compatible with the Web Crypto API. The maximum file size you can share is two gigabytes, but for security reasons, Mozilla recommends keeping the transfer under one gigabyte. Encryption is performed locally, and once it's done, you get a link to share that will self-destruct as soon as the download finishes. The recipient has 24 hours to get the file; otherwise, Send will make the link expire and delete it from its server.
Technical Considerations
Two technical details to keep in mind are that not all browsers have received Web Crypto support, and that we still depend on Mozilla's servers. However, at least there's a guarantee that the files are deleted and that no one will see their content because they're encrypted.
As always, take this with a grain of salt. Send is interesting, but Test Pilot experiments can disappear overnight.
You can try Send at its official website.
