What’s changing
In 2021 we announced a closed beta for trust rules in Google Drive, which gives admins more control over how files can be shared, both within and outside of their organization. Beginning today, this feature will be available as an open beta for specific Google Workspace customers, which means you can use it without enrolling in a specific beta program. See below for more information regarding availability.
With trust rules, admins can enforce policies that limit internal and external sharing. Specific rules can even be set for organizational units and groups, allowing a more granular approach than enforcing blanket policies on every user.
Trust rules can be turned on in the Admin console — once enabled, it will replace “Sharing options” within the Google Drive portion of the Admin console. Your existing Drive sharing settings will automatically become trust rules – note that this will not change your existing sharing settings or security configurations.
See below for more information and availability.
Who’s impacted
Admins and end users
Why it’s important
Previously, admins were only given broad control over sharing settings for Drive, which meant choosing between options such as: no external sharing or only sharing with trusted domains.
By enabling the trust rules beta, admins now have more control over how files can be shared, both within and outside of their organization. For example, admins can limit what their frontline workers should have access to versus other parts of their organization.
Getting started
- Admins: Eligible Admins can enable this feature in the Admin console by going to Rules > Turn on trust rules. Visit the Help Center to learn more about trust rules.
- End users: Your Admin’s trust rules will determine who you can share and collaborate with on Drive files.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: You can turn on trust rules today in the Admin console by going to Rules > Turn on trust rules.
Availability
- Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Standard, Education Plus, and Education Standard Customers
- Not available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, Frontline, and Nonprofits, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers