Wormhole is a new file sharing service that promises to be a better longer-living version of Firefox Send, a file sharing service that Mozilla discontinued some time ago. Does Wormhole live up to the promises that it makes? Let's find out.
First, the basics: Wormhole can be used by anyone to send files with a total size of up to 10 Gigabytes. The service uses end-to-end encryption, and that means that the owners of Wormhole as well as the Internet Service Provider or network listeners, don't know the content of the files that are shared using the service.
To use it, visit the Wormhole website and either use drag & drop to add files to the send queue or use the file/folder browser instead. Wormhole works in all modern web browsers.
You get options to copy the link to the cloud copy of the files and a share link right away, even before the actual upload has started; this is one distinguishing factor as most file sharing services display share links and options only after a successful transfer. Wormhole calls this "instant file streaming", and recipients may start downloading files even before the upload completes.
You may copy the link to share it with others, or use the share option to use sharing options provided by the operating system. Recipients may download all files or only select files.
One interesting option that Wormhole supports is the direct sharing via WiFi or Bluetooth; these may offer faster transfer speeds as local networks are utilized when possible.
The encrypted files are stored for 24 hours in the cloud before they are deleted automatically.
The Wormhole security page reveals information about the implemented security techniques. Besides end-to-end encryption, Wormhole promises that it does not display advertisement or will load trackers. The service's key management and other security features are outlined on the page as well.
Firefox Send did support a number of features and options that Wormhole does not support at the time of writing, including password protection of files, download limits, or different storage limits.
Wormhole does not require an account at the time of writing, has a large file size limit, and supports local area network sharing. The features could make it a popular solution for Internet users.
It is unclear how Wormhole is financed. The lack of a commercial option and the guarantee that ads or trackers are not implemented, leaves the question open at the time of writing. I contacted Wormhole but have yet to receive a reply.
It is possible that a paid version is planned for the future, or that the service plans to finance itself through donations.
Now You: do you use file sending services on the Internet?
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