Private File is now a standard feature of EasyOne!
We have good news for both free users and paid users. Private File (at its core) is now the default for EasyOne File Uploader.
Is “Privacy” a Perks?
The reason we limited Private File to Basic plans and above was clear.
Private File encrypts not only the file itself but also all information that could be used to infer the file’s contents—such as the filename and file format (known as metadata). It is the most secure file storage feature imaginable, ensuring that only the uploader can access the file. We were concerned that making this feature available to free users would increase the risk of misuse and lead to a rise in unused files, which would ultimately make it difficult to maintain the service.
However, as we reviewed the feedback we received, we realized something.
Was “being the only one who can access it” really what users were asking for?
No.
What many users were concerned about was “not wanting others to see the file name,” “not wanting others to guess the contents based on the size or format,” or “I don’t want even the service operators to know what’s inside”—basic privacy concerns.
And in that moment, we asked ourselves:
Should privacy really be a perk reserved only for subscribers?
No.
Privacy is a right that should be granted equally to everyone.
That is our belief. Perhaps we had forgotten it for a little while.
Breaking Down Private File
Upon reexamining the Private File feature, we realized that it actually combined two distinct roles.
One was to keep everything confidential—including metadata such as filenames, sizes, and MIME types. In other words, it was a feature designed to protect “privacy.”
The other was to ensure that only the person who uploaded the file could access it. Even with a share link, others couldn’t view it, and via the API, no one other than the owner could even detect its existence. This was the “access control” feature.
These two functions don’t necessarily have to go hand in hand.
So we redesigned them as separate features.
Privacy is available to all users.
Access control is available as a document privilege for subscribers on the Basic plan or higher.
These are the changes we’ve made.
What’s Changing
Going forward, EasyOne will encrypt and store metadata—such as filenames, MIME types, and original sizes—that could allow humans to infer the file’s contents for all uploads.
Of course, the file itself will continue to be encrypted as before.
This means that even on the Free plan, third parties without the key—including EasyOne administrators—will not be able to access not only the file’s contents but also any information inferable from its mere existence.
Meanwhile, the “accessible only to the uploader” feature previously associated with Private Files will remain available to subscribers on the Basic plan and above.
Files with the Private File flag enabled can only be retrieved by the owner via the API and cannot be accessed via shared links. To third parties, the file’s very existence is treated as a 404 error.
We have decided to call this permission “Document Privilege.”
Privacy is a given for everyone.
Building on that foundation, we offer this strong privilege—the ability to manage files exclusively—as a value to our subscribers who support EasyOne.
In Closing
This change is less about adding a new feature and more about reaffirming the values that EasyOne holds dear.
Privacy is not a paid feature.
We believe that everyone should be able to store their files with peace of mind—this should be the foundation of our service.
Every user's privacy comes first. This is EasyOne’s unwavering belief.
