For Clients

Sharing Instructions

Multiple options for securely sharing files and data with TCI. Choose the method that best fits your needs.

Available Methods

Google Drive Dropbox Matrix Direct Upload

Google Drive

Best for large files and ongoing collaboration

How to Share via Google Drive

1
Upload your files to Google Drive
Create a folder for your submission or upload files directly.
2
Share with our Google account
Right-click the file or folder, select “Share,” and enter:
thecommonlightinitiative@gmail.com
3
Set permissions
Grant “Viewer” access for read-only, or “Editor” if you want us to be able to organize the files. You can revoke access at any time.
4
Notify us
Check “Notify people” when sharing, or send a message via our contact form to let us know.

Good for: Large datasets, ongoing projects where files are updated regularly, collaborative workflows. Google Drive supports files up to 5 TB per file.

Dropbox

Share folders or individual files via shared links

How to Share via Dropbox

1
Upload your files to Dropbox
Place files in a dedicated folder for your submission.
2
Share the folder or files
You can either invite our email directly or generate a shared link:
- •Invite by email: Use thecommonlightinitiative@gmail.com
- •Shared link: Click “Share” → “Copy link” and send it to us via our contact form or email
3
Set access level
“Can view” is sufficient for most submissions. Use “Can edit” if you want us to add files back to the shared folder.

Good for: Quick one-off file shares, clients already using Dropbox. Password-protected links available on Dropbox Professional and above.

Matrix

Decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messaging

How to Share via Matrix

1
Get a Matrix client
Download Element (the most popular Matrix client) for desktop, iOS, or Android. You can also use any other Matrix-compatible client.
2
Create an account and find us
Register on any Matrix homeserver (matrix.org is the default). Then start a conversation with:
@thecommonlight:matrix.org
3
Send messages and files
Once connected, you can send messages and attach files directly in the conversation. Enable “Encryption” in the room settings for end-to-end encrypted communication. File size limits depend on your homeserver (typically 50–100 MB).

Good for: Real-time encrypted communication, ongoing discussions alongside file sharing. Matrix is open source, decentralized, and federated — no single entity controls the network.

Direct Upload

Upload directly to our WORM-compliant storage

How to Use the Client Portal

1
Go to the Client Portal
Navigate to our Client Portal page.
2
Select a recipient
Choose who the submission is intended for (Michael Peterson or David Greenhill).
3
Upload files and submit
Drag and drop files or click to browse. Add an optional reference name, description, and contact email. Files are encrypted in transit and stored in immutable, WORM-compliant infrastructure. Max 500 MB per file.

Good for: Evidence submissions requiring chain-of-custody documentation, one-time file drops without creating any third-party accounts, files that need WORM-compliant immutable storage.

Go to Client Portal

Comparison

Feature	Google Drive	Dropbox	Matrix	Direct Upload
End-to-end encrypted	—	—	✓	TLS in transit
Max file size	5 TB	2 GB+	50–100 MB	500 MB
Account required	Google	Dropbox	Matrix (free)	None
Ongoing collaboration	✓	✓	✓	—
WORM-compliant storage	—	—	—	✓

Not sure which method to use?

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