There is a proposed spec to have files stored on relays (relays are servers too) but its not something most devs/relay operators want because it introduces legal liability. The text containing the URL link to some image host is stored as text. the image is rendered through the client because it recognizes the link as an image or video. If you dont own the server, then yeah the image can be modified or deleted. Nostr.build is a service to upload your media to. They can still modify your media but @The Fishcake (nostr.build) is a nice dog! I trust him to be responsible with my files 🥰🐕🫂🫶 and not eat them like my homework or lunch 📓😭😖🍖

I don't think the liability is any different whether it's snuff or hate speech these days. The government keeps getting bolder about how far they declare themselves to be free to spy on us, it's completely out of control. It would be better if you didn't have to trust one person or organisation to keep your data live. For one thing, if you had your own relay, easily deployed and part of your keychain suite you could be keeping it alive even if no other copy has been made, just add a second one and you are good for 1 failure. Peer to Peer is going to be necessary to make this thing work for the reasons of government intrusion.