It is assumed that by hosting your files and personal data in some cloud storage service (either Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.), there is greater security against possible cyberattacks that expose all this information to the public light.
These mechanisms allow users save those files that can be used to open them from any other device (as long as there is an Internet connection) or to share it with a third partythe latter especially in the case of large files that exceed the weight limit of an email attachment in gmailfor instance.
Nevertheless, Google has decided to implement New measures modifying the google drive policies, with the aim of protecting the privacy and security of the millions of global users of its cloud app. Changes in Drive policies lead to the implementation of a mechanism that allows the platform to scan all the content that is stored on its servers. If that system detects a file that violates Google’s terms of service or program policies, it can prohibit access to it by third parties.
These new Drive policies came into force on December 14while measures related to these policies have already been implemented since the 29th of last month.
What type of files are affected?
When speaking of files that are considered inappropriate for Google, reference is made to those that contain hate speech, documents with sexually explicit content, malware, advocacy of terrorism and files that violate the safety of children.
Of course, within these new measures, the doubt remains what Google means by files that violate the Terms of Servicesince it does not specify whether it refers to specific formats, content stored in other accounts or only those that may be subject to some type of copyright. In any case, Google will add a label to these affected files to identify them as inappropriate, which will prevent them from being freely distributed on the Internet.
To detect this type of content, the system scans all the files and if it detects something potentially harmful, it notifies Google indicating what is the detail considered by the system as a potential violation of Drive policies. Then, the company’s experts will analyze the material. If the infraction is confirmed, the document is classified as “inappropriate”, and access to third parties is restricted (only the person who owns that file will be able to access it from the app). Although the elimination of said file or preventing the user from accessing any of the company’s products is also contemplated.
From the company, they assure that «This will help ensure that Google Drive item owners are fully informed about the status of their content, while also helping to ensure users are protected from abusive content.”.
How can I tell if one of my Drive files has inappropriate content?
Users will be sent a notification to their Gmail informing about the implementation of these measures in the event of such a problem with any of their files stored in their Drive cloud. The message would come with a visual alert (a flag is added next to the file name) and an explanation of why that file violates the platform rules.
In addition to the notification, the mail will also offer the possibility of requesting a review of the measures taken if any user considers that Google is not handling its new tool well and, in the event that the system detects possible harmful content in a file that does not has nothing to do with it, you will be able to appeal through a function enabled by the same company. If the scanning system mistakenly tags one of those files and then determines that there is no violation, it will be able to remove that tag and restore its use so that the user can share it publicly without problems.
In order to review how this procedure unfolds, go to Google Drive and follow this path: Select the file > Open File > Click “Share” > “Request Review”.
Avoid free distribution on the internet
It is normal that sharing files through Google Drive has become popular for some time now, and not only because of the convenience it offers the user.
The problem is that it can be used to share files a little less legitimate: spam, malware, copyrighted content… yes, cloud storage services like Google Drive have also become the warehouse and distribution system used to share digital assets that should not be shared from their platform. Until now the company itself has not applied too much control in this regard, and had only responded to requests from third parties, but finally it seems that they are going to get serious about this issue.
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