Giving access to data

Sharing using a private link

A private link that enables people to share and view a document.

Description

A link is generated that can only be accessed by users with the right permissions. If someone without the right permissions clicks on the link, they are denied access. The link includes a long, random series of characters to make it hard to guess. For example, a Google Drive user can choose to set the permissions on a document so only people who work at the same company as them can view it.

Advantages

  • The user has control over the permissions of the document
  • They give access, not share the file
  • The user can set an expiration date, change permissions or stop access at any point

Limitations

  • If an account gets compromised unintended audiences will have access to the data

Examples

  • Services like Google Docs, Etherpad, Keybase file system and Dropbox have link sharing options

Related patterns