Transfer files “privately” through Firefox browsers using ‘Send'

Mozilla’s Firefox Send, which debuted as a Test Pilot program back in August 2017, is now officially a free, encrypted file-transfer service. Firefox Send allows web users to share files up to 2.5GB through the browser. “It uses end-to-end encryption to keep your data secure from the moment you share to the moment your file is opened,” Mozilla wrote in the announcement.

Users will have to sign up for a free Firefox account in order to share files up to 2.5GB, which otherwise will be limited to 1GB if for non-registered users.  The new tool serves as the best alternative to email or cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Larger file attachments are more of an issue in emails, and it is rather time-consuming to share a file using Drive or Dropbox either.

To use the Send service, users will have to visit the tool’s website, upload files, set an expiration period for accessing, opt to have the files password-protected or set a limit on the number of downloads using the link, and then send. The recipient, however, need not have a Firefox account to access the shared files. On clicking the link, the recipient will be able to download a copy of the files being shared. That said, security experts may still have a word of warning regarding the vulnerability in such online sharing tools or services.

Send, Mozilla says, is “Private by Design” – meaning, all files are protected. The new tool could likely gift Firefox with a new audience for its web tools and services. Also, the once-a-hit web browser can try to stage a comeback through these frequent and reliable upgrades that uphold ‘privacy’ – which Mozilla believes, is a fundamental right. Firefox Send will also be available as an Android app in beta later this week.