With Google’s new feature, others will be unable to modify the content of files on Google Drive, regardless of their access permissions
According to The Verge, Google is set to introduce a new feature for Google Workspace customers, which is the ability to lock files on Google Drive. When a file is locked, no access level will be able to make edits, comments, or suggestions on its content. In general, the file will be in read-only mode until the owner unlocks it.
In a blog post announcing the new feature, Google stated that the ability to lock files began rolling out to Rapid Release domains on September 6 and will be gradually deployed over the next 15 days. For users on Scheduled Release domains, the feature will be available starting on September 20 and will also be deployed continuously over the following 15 days.
Previously, restricting a file in Google could also be done through the Google Drive API using file approval features. However, the significant difference with the new feature is that now owners can lock a file at any time simply by right-clicking on the file, hovering over the ‘File information’ menu, and selecting ‘Lock.’
Google has previously added many features to Workspace, such as Duet AI, bringing AI support to office work, or more common features like electronic signature support (eSignature)
