What we see, and what we never do.

Files

Files travel only over a direct, encrypted WebRTC connection between the browsers in your session. They are never uploaded, stored or relayed by our server. If a direct connection can't be made, Tether tells you the file can't be sent rather than routing it elsewhere.

Text clips

Clips also use the direct connection. Only when no direct link can be made (some strict corporate or mobile networks block it), a clip is passed through our server to the other person and is not stored. It exists only in memory while being forwarded.

Encryption

Every direct connection is encrypted with DTLS, the standard built into all browsers for video calls and data channels. Keys are generated in your browser for each connection. The site itself is served only over HTTPS.

What the server keeps

• For each session: a random session ID, the current 6-digit join code (valid 10 minutes), an invite token, and each person's display name and 4-character device tag.
• While you're connected: the status you choose to share (for example "Working in Figma" or your Spotify track), held in memory and never written to disk.
• Rate limits: a short-lived counter per IP address to stop people guessing join codes.

A session and everything in it is deleted automatically after 12 hours with nobody connected. Seats unused for 15 minutes are freed.

On your device

Your name and device tag are kept in a cookie in your browser (up to 400 days) so you don't retype them. Your clip history is kept in this browser tab only and disappears when you close it. There are no accounts, no passwords and no email.

Analytics

The website uses Google Tag Manager to understand how many people visit and which pages they use. It never receives your clips or files, which travel only between your devices. Page addresses (including session rooms) are visible to it, like any page view, and an invite link's token is removed from the address as soon as the page opens. You can block it with any content blocker and Tether keeps working exactly the same.

Spotify (optional)

If you connect Spotify, the sign-in and the "now playing" lookups happen directly between your browser and Spotify. Only the track title and artist are shown to the people in your session.