Is it safe to upload files to a website?

Ask what happens to the file afterwards

A trustworthy service says how long files are kept, who can access them and how to delete them. If a free converter says none of that, assume it keeps copies.

Never upload what you cannot afford to leak

Passport scans, bank statements, tax forms, private keys, recovery codes, contracts under NDA. Use software on your own computer for those, or a provider you have a contract with.

Strip hidden information first

Photos and documents carry metadata such as location, device and author. Remove it before sharing publicly.

Watch for “shared by link” defaults

Many services make a file reachable by anyone who has the link. Check the sharing setting after upload and turn off public access you did not intend.

Be careful with what you download back

Scam converter sites often return files bundled with unwanted software. Scan downloads and prefer well-known services.

See what others said about uploading

On CheckMySource the Uploading files verdict is its own rating, based on reports about uploads, retention and unexpected sharing.

Common questions

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