This application relates to a technique that enables a software application to perform an operation on a file stored on a file system, while enforcing privacy measures. The technique includes receiving, from a file browser, a selection of file made accessible by a file access service. The file access service is associated with the file system storing the file. The file browser executes in a mode that prevents the software application from identifying content displayed within the file browser. The technique also includes, provided the software application is authorized to access the file, communicating a first list of operations for receipt by the software application, in which the software application selects a first subset of operations, to perform on the file. Furthermore, the technique includes establishing, to perform the first subset of operations on the file, a first direct communication link between the software application and the file access service.