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Why do email attachments have size limits?

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Answer: Reduce server load

Save storage spaceWrong. Storage matters, but main issue is email servers processing and transmitting millions of messages—large attachments create bottlenecks.

Protect user privacyWrong. Size limits aren't about privacy. They prevent server overload and ensure email delivery speed for all users.

Reduce server loadCorrect! Email servers handle millions of messages. Large attachments consume bandwidth, slow delivery, and overload servers. Typical limits: 25MB (Gmail), 20MB (Outlook). Original email protocol (SMTP) wasn't designed for large files! Instead, use cloud storage links (Google Drive, Dropbox) for big files—recipients download directly from file servers, not email servers!

Go deeper: SMTP · Cloud storage
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