# Nostr: How do I control who can access files I share?

Treat a public media URL as public unless the host provides real access controls or you encrypt the file before upload.

2026-08-10
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

Treat a public media URL as public unless the host provides real access controls or you encrypt the file before upload. A private-looking Nostr post does not automatically make an external image or document private. Check the media host's terms, link behavior, and deletion options. If a file must remain confidential, encrypt it and share the decryption key through an appropriate secure channel.

## Sources

[NIP-94: File metadata](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/94.md), [NIP-17: Private messages](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/17.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-how-do-i-control-who-can-access-files-i-share/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-10T20:23:31+00:00

Description: A practical answer to How do I control who can access files I share?