Dropbox Stores Documents Forever.
That’s the Problem.
Dropbox is built for cloud storage — keeping files accessible indefinitely. But when you collect a client’s passport or bank statement, the last thing you want is for it to sit on a server permanently. FileSeal encrypts, delivers, and deletes.
5 free requests · No credit card required · No lock-in
Why Cloud Storage Is Wrong for Sensitive Documents
Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive are excellent at what they do — storing files for ongoing access. But that’s exactly what makes them risky for sensitive client documents.
Permanent storage = permanent risk
Every client passport sitting in your Dropbox is a liability. If your account is compromised — through phishing, a reused password, or a stolen device — every document you’ve ever stored is exposed.
Not zero-knowledge
Dropbox encrypts files at rest, but they hold the decryption keys. They can access your files if required by law or if their systems are breached. FileSeal uses client-side encryption — we never see plaintext documents.
No automatic deletion
GDPR requires data minimisation — don’t keep personal data longer than necessary. Dropbox has no mechanism to automatically delete files after they’ve been downloaded or reviewed. You have to remember to do it manually.
FileSeal vs Dropbox: Feature Comparison
| Feature | FileSeal | Dropbox |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256, client-side (zero-knowledge) | AES-256 at rest (Dropbox holds keys) |
| File retention | Deleted after one download | Stored permanently |
| Data residency | UK and EU only | US by default |
| Audit trail | Full compliance trail | Activity log (no compliance export) |
| Client experience | No registration — click link, upload | Requires Dropbox account or transfer link |
| Cloud storage | None — files are transient | Full cloud storage platform |
| File size limit | 10 MB per file | 2 GB (free) / unlimited (paid) |
| File sync & access | Not applicable — single download | Full sync across devices |
| Price | £29/month (unlimited transfers) | £9.99/month (Plus) |
Different Tools for Different Jobs
FileSeal and Dropbox solve different problems. Many professionals use both.
Use FileSeal for…
- Collecting sensitive documents from clients (passports, bank statements, ID)
- Sending confidential files that should be downloaded once and deleted
- Compliance workflows that require audit trails
- Any transfer where files should not persist on a server
Keep Dropbox for…
- Internal team file storage and collaboration
- Files you need ongoing access to (templates, internal docs)
- Large file sharing (videos, design assets, archives)
- Multi-device sync and offline access
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Dropbox for collecting client documents under GDPR?
While Dropbox is not inherently non-compliant, its permanent storage model works against GDPR’s data minimisation principle. You’d need to manually delete client files after processing, remember to empty the trash (Dropbox retains deleted files for 30-180 days), and hope no team member has synced a copy to their personal device. FileSeal handles all of this automatically.
Is FileSeal a replacement for Dropbox?
No — they serve different purposes. Dropbox is for storing files you need ongoing access to. FileSeal is for transferring sensitive documents that should not persist on any server. Many professionals use Dropbox for internal files and FileSeal for client document collection.
What about Dropbox Transfer?
Dropbox Transfer lets you send files with an expiry date and download tracking, but it still uses server-side encryption (Dropbox holds the keys), stores data on US servers, and lacks the compliance audit trails that regulated UK professionals require. It’s closer to WeTransfer than to a zero-knowledge platform like FileSeal.
Collect Client Documents Without the Storage Risk
Create your first secure document request in 30 seconds. Files are encrypted, downloaded once, and permanently deleted.
Start Free Trial5 free requests · No credit card required