Comparison
Is Google Drive private — and how Ambry fixes it
Google Drive protects your files with encryption in transit and at rest. But Google holds the encryption keys, which means Google can technically access, scan and process your files — and can be compelled to hand them over. That is not the same as being private.
Ambry doesn’t replace Google Drive — it uses it. Your files are encrypted on your device first, then the encrypted version is stored in your own Drive. You keep Google’s generous, familiar storage, but Google (and Ambry) only ever see unreadable ciphertext.
| Feature | Ambry | standard Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Encrypted in transit & at rest | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end / zero-knowledge | ✓ Yes | ✗ No — Google holds the keys |
| Who can read your files | Only you | Google (and anyone it must comply with) |
| File names & thumbnails hidden | ✓ Encrypted | ✗ Visible to Google |
| Uses your existing 15 GB per account | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Real-time Docs/Sheets collaboration | Not the focus | ✓ Yes |
When plain Google Drive is fine
- You need real-time collaboration in Google Docs, Sheets or Slides.
- You want to share files with anyone via a quick link.
- The files simply aren’t sensitive and convenience matters most.
The bottom line
Google Drive is convenient but not private — Google can read what you store. Ambry lets you keep using the Drive space you already have while making the files that matter readable only by you.