# User File UploadsImages attached to issues, merge requests or comments do not require authenticationto be viewed if someone knows the direct URL. This direct URL contains a random32-character ID that prevents unauthorized people from guessing the URL to animage containing sensitive information. We don't enable authentication becausethese images need to be visible in the body of notification emails, which areoften read from email clients that are not authenticated with GitLab, likeOutlook, Apple Mail, or the Mail app on your mobile device.Note that non-image attachments do require authentication to be viewed.