Google Workspace New Feature Includes File Locking to Limit Access

Urian B., Tech Times 06 September 2023, 10:09 pm

Google Workspace is getting a new feature that allows users to lock files and limit who gets access to them. The new feature ultimately locks certain files to ensure nobody can open them no matter their level of access.

Google is Adding a New Feature for Its Workspace Customers Which Let Them Lock Their Files

According to the story by The Verge, Google has released a new feature for its Workspace customers which lets them lock their files. It was noted that the file lock would block anyone else from accessing the file, no matter their level of access.

This applies to users who were given access to make edits, comments, or suggestions. Basically, the file would be in a read-only mode unless users decide that they want to unlock it later on.

It was also noted that the company announced the changes that users would be able to expect when the file-locking feature was released. So far, it has been rolled out to Rapid Release domains.

Feature to Launch Over the Course of a 15-Day Rollout Up to Sep 20

It was noted that the feature would roll out for the span of over the next 15 days. It was noted that the Scheduled Release domains users would be able to get the feature on Sep 20 which means that it would be a 15-day rollout.

It was noted that restricting the access that a file in Google would be able to reach is something that users could do with the help of the Google Drive API or by using the classic file approvals. The latter is a similar feature to the new one which still requests approval for the draft that's locked from edits.

The Feature Can be Enabled by Right-Clicking the File and Choosing the 'Lock' Option

It was noted that the difference between the new feature and the old feature is how users can easily lock the file simply by right-clicking it. Users would easily be able to click on File information and choose the particular "Lock" option.

Google is reportedly now adding multiple features when it comes to Workspace which could include particular ones like Duet AI, which gives users access to AI assistance when it comes to using their office suite. However, AI assistance will cost users money as it is no longer a free feature.

Google Added Different Features to Its Workspace

Other features that Google is adding to its Workspace include the addition of its native eSignature support, making it easier for users to fix their signature onto a certain document. It was also noted that the company has long been adding new features designed to promote productivity as it tries to compete with Microsoft, especially when it comes to new technologies like AI.

So far, the simple file locking feature allows users to make it safer for their files as they can ultimately limit who has access to it. This could be extremely useful for very important documents or other types of files that still need to be shared around.