Google Docs: A strange bug is locking access to documents

Google Docs very convenient service. Thanks to the cloud, this modern word processor allows you to access your documents from any compatible device and automatically save any changes made. In fact, many people around the world use this service for texting. Some documents created with Google Docs are very important to their authors, who blindly believe in the Mountain View company and assume that the servers on which the data is saved are infallible.

Indeed, Google Drive’s cloud servers have rarely crashed until now. Other than a recent phishing attack targeting Google Docs, there are few issues with this service. But this is October 31, 2017, many users seem to be affected by an issue. For no apparent reason, these users suddenly find themselves unable to edit or view their documents. A message that they are violating Google’s terms of service.

A large number of users, and especially American journalists who have expressed themselves on Twitter, seem to be concerned about this concern. For example, National Geographic reporter Rachael Bale realized she couldn’t access a draft of her upcoming story. After multiple reports, a Google spokesperson took turns speaking on the social network. According to that, The company realized the problem. and is currently researching to understand its origin.

Google Docs: all documents are scanned by Google

Ironically, Google’s bug tracking system is also affected by a bug, so this issue affecting Google Docs appears to be a technical glitch as well. The persons concerned have not actually violated the terms of use. But this technical issue raises a worrying point. If Google can detect documents that violate the terms of service, it means that all documents saved in Google Docs or Google Drive are scanned by the firm’s algorithms. We already knew this was true for Gmail, but this incident conclusively proves that these methods cover all Google services.

Indeed, Google Drive’s Terms of Service affirm that: automated systems analyze content to provide features such as personalized search results or spam and malware detection. You should consult Google’s privacy policies directly regarding how personal data is processed and how the privacy of Google Drive users is protected.

These rules inform the user that information is collected about the services they use and how they use them. Such information is, for example, the user’s preferences, messages in Gmail, Google+ profile, photos, videos, search history, Google Maps searches, Google Docs documents and any other content related to Google services. This information is automatically analyzed when sent and stored on servers. You have been warned. keep in mind Everything you type in Google Docs It can be read by Google employees.

did anyone @googledocs Have you ever excluded you from a doctor? My draft of a story about wildlife crimes was frozen for violating their TOS.

— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) October 31, 2017

Literally my worst nightmare. Google Docs randomly locks people out of their documents. More here: pic.twitter.com/vO8wj3tPBL

Dan Ackerman (@danackerman) October 31, 2017

We understand your concern, Vel. Our product team is aware of this issue and is investigating it. Thank you for your patience.

—Google Docs (@googledocs) October 31, 2017