Environment
U-M Dropbox
Issue
Dropbox has moved to an updated shared link architecture where links are based on content rather than individual users.
Resolution
- Previously, shared links were tied to an individual user. This meant that any user shared on the file or folder could create their own shared link.
- The updated architecture means shared links are now tied to the content. This affects how links are created and shared.
- All files and folders created after can have only one edit link and one view link (depending on content type).
- These links will be managed by the Owner or Editors (if applicable) on the file/folder.
- Changing settings on a link applies to all link recipients (vs. the previous multiple links where each could have different settings).
- The new shared links will persist even after an individual leaves the university and their account is deleted.
Dropbox has stated that our U-M Dropbox legacy shared links (i.e., those tied to an individual user) will transition to the new shared link format (i.e., those tied to the content) in the following phases:
- October 9, 2023: Newly created file shared links moved to the new content-based format.
- November 27, 2023: Newly created folder shared links moved to the new content-based format.
- September 19, 2024: Existing file and folder shared links (created before the link changes that occurred last year) without conflicting link settings were migrated to the new content-based format.
- Individual-based shared links will continue redirecting to the new content-based link, even after an individual leaves the university and their account is deleted.
- November 14, 2024: Existing file and folder shared links with conflicting link settings will be migrated to the new content-based format.
- The cases where two or more individual-based links to the same file/folder had different link settings will be resolved by using the most restrictive permissions of the set.
- Example: Link 1 is view-only with access set to "Team members." Link 2 is view-only with access set to "People with password" and an assigned password. After the migration, Link 2's settings will become the default, as they are the most restrictive of the two.
- The migration was finalized in December.
Dropbox has reassured us that all shared links created prior to the transition dates above will remain functional and will be redirected to the new links indefinitely (as long as the content is kept shared and accessible).
Additional Information
Learn more about using shared links in U-M Dropbox.
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.