Data Under Your Control: Why Mecodrive Offers Both Client-Side and Server-Side Encryption
One year ago, we launched Mecodrive. Initially, as an MVP, our goal was to rigorously test functionality, stability, and reliability. We've achieved what we set out to do: creating a service that embodies the 3 U's — fast to use, easy to use, and secure to use.
Today, however, we're experiencing a significant shift in our lives brought by AI. AI is transforming our daily routines and the ways we interact with technology. While these advancements offer many benefits, we must also acknowledge potential risks, particularly regarding the malicious use of AI. Prominent AI researchers, including Geoffrey Hinton and Ilya Sutskever, have publicly expressed concerns about AI safety, highlighting that irresponsible or malicious use of AI can cause serious harm.
At the same time, data privacy has become more critical than ever. We have observed that many large tech companies frequently use their customers' data — including images, videos, and text — to train their Large Language Models (LLMs) and advanced generative models like Veo3 and Midjourney. No one can guarantee your data won't be used as training material when it's published on the internet or even on some private servers.
That's why Zero-Knowledge Encryption exists. As a modern photo app, we realized the need to provide a secret mode that lets our users lock their media — content that no one, not even us, can access.
If you want to know how we achieve this, please see this article.
That's why we provide Zero-Knowledge Encryption to help you store your media securely.
However, this doesn't mean we don't embrace AI. Server-side (centralized) encryption still has its advantages — especially in speed and efficiency. To maintain our 3 U’s philosophy, we decided to provide both options:
✅ Server-side encryption
✅ Client-side (Zero-Knowledge) encryption
This way, you can choose the method that best matches your needs.
📊 Encryption Comparison Table
| Feature | Non Zero-Knowledge (Server-side Encryption) | Zero-Knowledge (Client-side Encryption) |
|---|---|---|
| Upload Time | ✅ Faster (data encrypted on server) | ⚠️ Slightly slower (encrypted locally before upload) |
| Retrieval Time | ✅ Faster retrieval speeds | ⚠️ Slightly slower retrieval speeds |
| Video Streaming Time | ✅ Fast and smooth streaming | ✅ Near real-time streaming with local security, powered by MecoDrive Streaming Uploader |
| Privacy & Security | ⚠️ Moderate (server holds encryption keys) | ✅ Maximum (only user holds encryption keys) |
| AI/Training Protection | ⚠️ Potential risk of data used for AI training | ✅ Guaranteed protection from external use |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Simpler (no management of keys) | ⚠️ User must securely manage encryption keys |
| Best Suited For | ✅ Daily media (low sensitivity) | ✅ Highly confidential or sensitive media |
If you’ve noticed the MecoDrive Streaming Uploader mentioned in the table above—yes, that’s something we’ve worked hard to bring to life. It’s our custom-built solution that enables fast, seamless streaming even under Zero-Knowledge Encryption. While client-side encryption typically introduces latency, our uploader architecture minimizes this without compromising privacy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver on the promise of being fast to use, even when security is pushed to its highest level.
At Mecodrive, we believe privacy and performance shouldn't be trade-offs—you deserve both. Over the past year, we've listened, learned, and built with intention. By offering both client-side (Zero-Knowledge) and server-side encryption, we empower you to choose what matters most: maximum privacy, fast access, or a balance of both.
With innovations like the MecoDrive Streaming Uploader, we’ve proven that Zero-Knowledge Encryption doesn’t have to mean slow or complicated. Whether you're sharing everyday memories or storing highly sensitive media, Mecodrive puts your data—and the choice—back in your hands.
Because in the AI era, data under your control isn’t just a feature—it’s a promise.