DirectConnectPrivacy and data protection
Your files go straight from one computer to the other over the cable. They never reach us or any other server, so we never see, store or process them.
Your files
- Files travel only over the cable between your two computers, never over the internet.
- DirectConnect doesn’t keep copies of your files or back them up.
- Each computer decides what the other can see. See Security.
Files you open from the other computer, or send to it, are like files on a USB drive: they’re yours, and they stay on your computers.
What DirectConnect sends to us
DirectConnect contacts our licence server only to start a trial and to activate, move or renew a licence. It also checks our download server for updates. Each sends:
| When | What it sends |
|---|---|
| Starting the free trial | A one-way code made from this computer’s hardware ID (we can’t turn it back into the ID), the same for the other computer, and this computer’s DirectConnect key |
| Activating, moving or renewing a licence | Your licence code, this computer’s name, whether it runs macOS, Windows or Linux, and its DirectConnect key |
| Removing a licence | Your licence code and this computer’s DirectConnect key |
| Checking for updates (Mac and Linux AppImage, once a day and when you choose Check for Updates) | Nothing about you or your files. It downloads a small file naming the latest version. On a Mac, the request includes the version of DirectConnect you have. Like any web request, the server sees your IP address. |
| Updates for the Linux .deb and .rpm packages | Your system’s software updates check our package repository like any other source. They send only what your system sends to every repository, and the server sees your IP address. |
The computer’s name is the one DirectConnect shows, such as “Studio Mac”. We use it to tell you where your licence is active. Every request is signed with the computer’s key, so nobody else can act on your licence.
DirectConnect doesn’t send usage statistics, crash reports, file names or anything about what you share.
When you buy a licence
Checkout collects your email address and payment details. We use your email address to send your licence codes and receipts. Payment details go to our payment provider, and we never see your card number.
On your computer
DirectConnect stores its settings, the computers you’ve remembered, your licence and its own key in a private folder in your user account. Its log of recent activity, including the names of files you receive, stays on your computer. Forget a computer to delete what DirectConnect remembers about it; see Disconnect and reconnect.
Using DirectConnect in an organisation
Files move directly between two computers you control. Personal data in your files isn’t sent to us or any other third party. Compared with cloud storage or file-sending services, that can simplify a data protection review, for example under the GDPR. Your organisation still decides whether a tool meets its policies.
Our privacy policy lists who processes your information, how long we keep it and your rights. For data protection questions, email [email protected].