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No_Name's avatar
No_Name
New member | Level 1
2 years ago
Solved

How safe is Dropbox? Can they access user information?

I was going to start using Dropbox, but before creating an account, I came across the Privacy & Security concerns section on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dropbox.

And the link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Dropbox expands on the information.

So, in 2024, how safe IS Dropbox?
Can Dropbox employees really access users' information & what about the claim that Dropbox has ownership of users' data?

account access
security
  • maher1982's avatar
    maher1982
    2 years ago

    A common misconception is that Dropbox has ownership of user data. In reality, users retain ownership of their files, but by using Dropbox, they grant the company permission to store and transmit those files as part of its service. While Dropbox doesn’t claim ownership, its terms do include clauses that allow sharing information as needed to comply with laws, manage services, or for protection against security risks.

4 Replies

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  • maher1982's avatar
    maher1982
    Icon for Super User rankSuper User
    2 years ago

    A common misconception is that Dropbox has ownership of user data. In reality, users retain ownership of their files, but by using Dropbox, they grant the company permission to store and transmit those files as part of its service. While Dropbox doesn’t claim ownership, its terms do include clauses that allow sharing information as needed to comply with laws, manage services, or for protection against security risks.

  • nickemery's avatar
    nickemery
    Explorer | Level 3
    2 years ago

    I’ve been wondering the same thing! I’ve been considering using Dropbox for file storage but came across similar concerns about privacy and data access. Would love to hear from anyone who’s looked into how safe it really is in 2024.
    because i have placed my website [link removed] backup in it so is it a risk? to place such important files in dropbox? 

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    2 years ago

    To be honest, unless you are yourself manually encrypting all data, nearly every cloud storage solution or online tool DOES have access to the files if so needed by law enforcement. 

    That said I have no issues or worries that Dropbox (Microsoft, Apple, Google etc.) do so unless they absolutely have to.... after all there are trillions of files on here - why would they decide to just look at mine!

  • No_Name's avatar
    No_Name
    New member | Level 1
    2 years ago

    I'm just planning to send pictures, videos & documents/notes to family & friends.

    Nothing sensitive.  I was just wondering if anyone's had any problems with Dropbox.

    Think I'll give it a small test run.

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