Can shared items be exported if downloads have been disabled?

Question

Recently DropBox updated its settings and now even if you share a file through a link with "Disabled download" settings anyone with the link, and without a Dropbox account, can export this file to any other platform or download it to their device. Ive noticed this is specially easy when opening files on mobile (Attatchment 1).

Is there any way in which i can FULLY protect my files, preventing download/export in every way?

Ive noticed this happened since I get this messange under "Disable downloads" (Attatchment 2).

Sorry the picture is in spanish.

Attatchment 2

Calvin2DBX · Accepted Answer

Hi @tjwhite,

Thanks for getting in touch!

Let's get to the bottom of the message you noticed.

What the 'Disabled Downloads' restriction can do is stop the content from being downloaded directly from the link (the Download button will be grayed out and won’t be clickable on the website.)

Keep in mind that this doesn't prevent using other methods, such as taking a screenshot, or exporting into a third-party app or service.

Did you try adding a password to the link, too?

How about adding specific recipients by email, as members of a shared file (instead of a link)?

They can be set as "Can view", or "Can edit", and that way, you can be sure only those specific people can access the content while signed into their account on Dropbox.

Let me know if that helps!