From December 20, 2021, Google Drive will automatically block or delete files 18+

First, when users upload files they will receive a warning and flag if they violate user policy. After that, they will be restricted to access so users will not be able to share them with other users.

Access will be restricted to everyone but the owner. According to Google, this keeps the owner aware of the status of the file while protecting all other users from malicious content.

Policy changes are introduced by Google to protect Google Drive against abuses by certain users. Google will have tools to automatically classify files and content that are not suitable for users, such as malicious code, pornography or files that are dangerous to children.

Depending on the severity of the policy violation, Google's system will take commensurate actions. Levels of action include restricting access, deleting files or, most seriously, banning users from using all Google products.

Some experts are concerned that the new Google Drive policy could harm users. The reason is because Google can delete important files of users without good reason because Google does not describe the criteria for determining inappropriate content.

In response to that doubt, Google launched a rating system so that Google Drive users feel that their files are restricted, deleted with good reason.

Kareem Winters

Update 21 December 2021