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Google announced it would make it easier for users to set expiration dates when sharing files on its cloud storage platform Drive, which uses basic automation to avoid users having to go back to the share menu and revoke access.
Previously, adding expiration dates to shared files for viewers and commenters was done after the file or folder was first shared, by going back to the menu and adjusting the permissions. With the introduction of this update, certain Google Drive users can now set an expiration date at the time of sharing.
In addition, Google has also added the ability to manage the editor access period, which was previously unavailable.
Share Google Drive with expiration date
In an update about his Workspace blogGoogle says this should benefit employees who know that collaboration on a task is time-bound, meaning they don’t have to “clean up a file’s access control list after the collaboration ends.”
The rollout of the new features began on October 31, 2022, although the company says it could take about two weeks for some users to see it. And that’s if they have a Business Standard/Plus, Enterprise Essentials/Standard/Plus, Education Plus/Standard, or Nonprofit account.
Lower-level business accounts, including Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Education Fundamentals, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, and Frontline customers won’t be able to use the new sharing tools, at least for now. Not even personal customers.
As the company continues to develop its collaboration tools, it may expand the availability of the new sharing options, having already made a commitment to bring it to Android devices by the end of November 2022.