Does Google Docs have faulty locks?
A rash of Google Docs users complain they're being wrongly locked out of their files, as they get incorrect alerts that they're violating the rules of use.
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Some Google Docs users are tweeting their frustrations about being locked out of their files.
Google Docs dished out more tricks than treats for some users hit by locked-out accounts Tuesday.
A slew of Google Docs users reached out to the service's Twitter account Tuesday morning to say they're being wrongfully locked out of their files with a warning about violating terms of service. Users complained they've lost access to their files that contain harmless material, like mundane school assignments and an in-process article about Halloween.
The lockout was accompanied by a warning that the item violates terms of service, the ground rules Google requires of people who take part in the free, cloud-based program.
Working away happily on @googledocs with a response to reviewers. Suddenly: "This document is in violation of Terms of Service". #WTF pic.twitter.com/o2pjoTTTWo
— Leighton Pumpkin 🎃 (@widdowquinn) October 31, 2017
Later Tuesday, Google said it had changed Docs coding that incorrectly flagged a small percentage of files as abusive and blocked them.
"A fix is in place and all users should have full access to their docs," a company spokesman said. "Protecting users from viruses, malware, and other abusive content is central to user safety. We apologize for the disruption and will put processes in place to prevent this from happening again."
First published Oct. 31, 10:21 a.m. PT
Update, 1:06 p.m.: Adds Google response.