Google Drive users have expressed frustration regarding a glitch that has prevented access to files for the past six months. Google has acknowledged the issue and is investigating it, affecting certain users of its widely used cloud storage platform.
The problem surfaced on November 22nd when a user reported that their Drive had reverted to a version from May 2023. While it is unclear how many users are impacted, individuals in various countries have reported encountering similar issues.
Google Drive is a component of Google Workspace, a suite of applications with over three billion global users.
Users have voiced their displeasure on Google’s support platform, with one individual describing the situation as “very devastating” and emphasizing the importance of their files. Others have reported losing files in recent months, leading to significant stress.
One user expressed frustration by stating, “This is crazy and not a dependable cloud service,” and added, “I’m in a panic!”
Another user threatened legal action, saying, “I pay for this service monthly and will pursue legal action if needed. Unacceptable and highly aggravating.”
The original poster, who utilized Drive for Desktop on a Windows system, has indicated that none of the proposed fixes from Google have resolved the issue.
In their response on the support forum, Google confirmed that they are actively investigating the reports and will provide further updates as they progress. They have recommended that users refrain from disconnecting their accounts in the Drive for Desktop app and avoid deleting or moving the app data folder. They also suggest creating a copy of the folder if users can.
Data privacy expert Enza Ianopollo from Forrester, an analyst firm, noted the seriousness of the situation for Google. She stressed the necessity for Google to offer users a comprehensive explanation of the issue, going beyond a mere promise of data recovery. Understanding what transpired with the data is crucial.
Ms Ianopollo highlighted that business users, in particular, would require precise information on when and if their files were accessed or altered since they would be held responsible for any data loss rather than Google.
