Yes, you can make a file viewable for a limited time only. This means setting a specific expiration time or date after which the recipient can no longer access the file content. Instead of a permanent download link or attachment, the file becomes inaccessible once the predetermined period elapses, automatically 'disappearing' or requiring reauthorization. This differs fundamentally from standard file sharing, which typically grants indefinite access unless manually revoked by the sender.

Common examples include features within cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive, allowing users to set expiration dates on shared links. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp also offer 'view once' functionality for photos and videos, where the media disappears after being opened once. Industries handling sensitive data, such as legal, finance, or healthcare, frequently use specialized secure file transfer services with built-in expiration to securely share confidential documents like contracts, financial reports, or medical records for specific review periods.

The main advantages are enhanced security and privacy, reducing the risk of outdated or sensitive information persisting indefinitely on uncontrolled devices. It prevents inadvertent long-term sharing and simplifies data lifecycle management for senders. Key limitations include reliance on recipient honesty (no screenshots), platform trustworthiness, and occasional unreliability in deletion enforcement. Ethical considerations involve ensuring the recipient understands the temporary nature before viewing. This capability is becoming increasingly common in secure file-sharing tools, reflecting a growing focus on data minimization.