Google Docs Reads What You Write: What Do You Need to Know?

Google Docs has an AI that is always reading the content you write on it. Here's what you need to know!

Do you know that Google Workspace is reading your content in some of its apps? That’s right!

To provide a pleasant experience for all users, Google Workspace has put in place an anti-abuse program for its productivity apps like Google Docs. Its AI is always reading the content you compose on Google Docs.

If you try to breach Google’s policies, you may face some trouble using Google Docs. In this article, we will help you understand the anti-abuse policy so that you can use Google Workspace apps like Google Docs the right way.

The Google Drive Anti-Abuse Program

Though many Google Workspace apps are free to use online, there are certain limitations. Google curbs malicious activities using its apps by applying the Abuse Program Policies and Enforcement guidelines.

The anti-abuse program has two separate sections: Program Policies and Additional Policies. The first section has guidelines for 20 vital malicious activities like Spam, System Interference and Abuse, Misleading Content, and so on.

The second policy section mainly focuses on Google template gallery, copyright protection, and content distribution.

Google applies these policies primarily on apps like Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, Forms, Sites, and Slides. Google takes action on malicious content by reviewing user-created reports or constantly scanning what you create in these apps.

Related: The Best Workspaces That Are Not From Google or Microsoft

How Does It Affect You?

The automatic content review system is likely an encrypted program. It may not give away your writings on Google Docs to someone else. Though it's evident that Google Docs knows what you're writing because it flags inappropriate content automatically.

Google might penalize you if you violate any of the mentioned guidelines of this anti-abuse program. The penalties could be limited access to your Google Docs content, Google Docs app, removal of the content from Google’s ecosystem, or a permanent ban to Google’s products.

However, Google also offers certain exceptions to its anti-abuse program. Google Docs may not take action if your work has educational, artistic, scientific, or documentary values for the public.

Related: Want to Keep Personal Data Secure? Here's How to Encrypt a File

What Happens When an Item Gets Flagged

When your Google Docs content violates anti-abuse policies, Google flags your file as inappropriate. One of the most common violations is breaching the Spam policy. If you write commercial or promotional content on Google Docs, that’s spamming.

No one needs to report your content as spam. Google Docs reads through your content to notice policy violations. If it detects spam, it’ll stop the sharing option of the document.

Additionally, you can't email it to someone or copy the content from the Google Docs File menu. However, you can download an offline copy of the document.

If you have somehow created a shareable link before Google flagged the content, that link won’t work either. You can share the offline file with your target audience.

However, if the recipient makes the content online by taking it to Google Drive, Google might block it again.

How to Request a Review

If you notice that Google has flagged your content for policy violations, you can submit a review appeal to the Trust & Safety team of Google. Double-check your content to ensure that you didn’t violate any of the policies.

If you notice any policy violation in your content, modify it so that you can comply with Google Docs’ content policies. Otherwise, the reviewing team may reject the appeal. Your content won’t become shareable till it is flagged.

You may follow these steps to submit an appeal to Google:

1. Locate the inappropriate content banner in the top menu area.
2. Click on the Request a review link.
   
3. On the next page, click on Request file review.
   

Nothing Is Private on the Internet

Working online in apps like Google Docs offers many conveniences. However, your notes or ideas may not remain private. It’s not a good idea to use freely available online apps to write personal journals or secret ideas.

If you’re working on something mission-critical, switch to offline word processors or encrypted note-taking apps to ensure data privacy.

About The Author