DSTRUX Brings Self-Destructing Files To iOS

We’ve all had those moments when we share a picture or document with a friend but suddenly you’ve lost control and they’re showing it to everyone they know. It works the same on social media — once a tweet, a Facebook post or email is sent, there’s no going back.

DSTRUX wants to give users more control over the files they share. It’s a web platform, which launched in April, that lets users set a self-destruct timer for automatically encrypted pictures or documents they want to share through email or Facebook.

DSTRUX, which was released as a free iOS app today, also allows users to give permission for a friend to share the item, but lets the user see where exactly the item is being forwarded.

If the user does not like where or who the item is going to, they can terminate access to everyone. But what if someone tries to take a screenshot? That’s where DSTRUX’s proprietary technology comes in.

DSTRUX has three critical components: it negates the ability to do a screen capture, doesn’t allow you to print the item, and disables saving the item to your computer or to a cloud service.

[gallery ids="1045231,1045232,1045233,1045234"]

Nathan Hecht, founder and CEO, says the target audience for DSTRUX is a good mix between businesses and the ordinary consumer.

“They’re finding this as a tool to be able to do things slightly different and really be able to sleep at night and have the sense of not having to worry about where this stuff is and who’s viewing it and who’s using it,” Hecht said.

Once a file is deleted or terminated, it is “shredded” from DSTRUX’s servers, leaving no trace that it was sent.

You might think that people should watch what they share on social media, but this seems to be more useful in giving users more control in what they share with friends or coworkers.

Snapchat made sending pictures with a self-destruct timer popular, but it had no way to block someone from taking a screenshot. DSTRUX feels as though it is built for a more professional environment, but still is easy to use for the average consumer.

Right now you can send pictures or documents, but video is in the works. Hecht says an Android app will be available in September.