Google Docs Users Are Getting Locked Out Of The Service

Google Docs has become one of the most popular cloud-based word processing services on the web. According to recent reports, users are getting locked out for supposedly violating Google’s terms of service. The search engine firm is investigating the matter now, which should help alleviate the anxiety that users are feeling.

The incident started occurring today, with users suddenly finding themselves locked out of the documents they were working on even in the middle of writing. These users took to Twitter to voice their displeasure, many of whom noting how innocuous their subjects were, The Washington Post reports.

What really makes this situation jarring for users is the fact that Google Docs has been considered a reliable means of creating word documents for several years now. Many have even encouraged others to use the service over other types of word processors, especially for collaborative work. Thanks to this development, the trust that Google built with customers has been shattered.

A Google spokesperson has since responded to Engadget and addressed the current controversy. Unfortunately, all the company can really commit to is that it is investigating the matter.

“We're investigating reports of an issue with Google Docs. We will provide more information when appropriate," the spokesperson said.

At this point, it’s unknown whether this incident is a result of a glitch, a hack, spam, or more malicious acts. It doesn’t seem like the subject matter of the documents makes much of a difference since they range from political commentary to simple student papers.

More than anything else, however, this incident also serves as a reminder of how closely Google is holding the leash of its users. The search engine company is clearly scanning documents to see if they violate its terms of service, which should make people second-guess how or when they use the service.