---
title: Google Drive Access Control List (ACL) – Enforce ‘Restricted’ to Files and Folders
description: "### Introduction When a file has been shared, the owner can allow viewers and commenters to download, print, and copy the file. Sometimes this is necessary other times this may be a mistake. The word Restrict means that viewers and…"
url: "https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/tech-tips/google-drive-access-control-list-acl-enforce-restricted-to-files-and-folders/"
updated: "2024-01-30"
category: "Drive Audit & Management"
tags:
  - GAT+
---

# Google Drive Access Control List (ACL) – Enforce ‘Restricted’ to Files and Folders

### Introduction

When a file has been shared, the owner can allow viewers and commenters to download, print, and copy the file. Sometimes this is necessary other times this may be a mistake. The word Restrict means that viewers and commenters don't have the privilege to download, print, and copy.

![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-01-13-17_55_57-My-Drive-Google-Drive.png)

##### Viewers and Commentors can't download, print, and copy

When Viewers and Commenters on files can not download, print, and copy the flag "Restricted" will be applied to the file.

![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-01-13-18_02_25-GAT.png)

If a file is shared with a viewer and commenter but you don't see this flag, this means those users can download, print, and copy the file as they wish.

### Enforce Restricted (disable download/print/copy - Viewers and Commenters can't download and copy

Navigate to **GAT+ → Drive → Apply custom filter** to find the files you are investigating.

![](https://gatlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-05-13-18_31_54-GAT.png)

### Applying the policy

When the index is complete and results are displayed.

1. Select the file – click on the checkmark beside the **Title **
2. Click on **File operations **
3. Select **Enforce “Restricted” (disable download, print, copy) **

**Note:** If Restricted mode enabled - Viewers and Commenters **can not** download, print, or copy the Files

![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-01-13-18_13_06-GAT.png)

When the option is selected, a pop-up message will be displayed.

![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Restricted.png)

##### The operation cannot be undone

> **Note:** This operation **cannot be undone.**
>
>
>
> Unless the Owner of the file reinstates this policy again.

*Additionally, as per the information displayed during the process, **you can change those settings only for**:*

1. ***My Drive files***
2. ***Shared Drive files** if a **drive allows** for that*

![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Settings-on-SD-1-1024x261.png)

![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Allow-SD-300x285.png)

*3. **Shared Drive itself***

***The settings cannot be changed** for:*

1. ***My Drive folders***
2. ***Shared Drive files** if a **drive doesn't allow** for that*

![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SD-not-allowed-1-1024x257.png)

![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SD-not-allowed-300x288.png)

*3. **Shared Drive folders***

### Result

Click on the “**Confirm**” button, to enforce the policy. The process can be checked in the **Admin log **

![](https://gatlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/screenshot-uk.generalaudittool.com-2021.05.12-21_22_53.png)

In the Files where the "Restricted" mode is enabled, the option to Download, Copy, and Print (for Commenters, Viewers) will **be removed.**

**Before** the policy is applied:

![](https://gatlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-05-12-21_38_00-Search-results-Google-Drive.png)

**After** the policy is applied:

![](https://gatlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-05-12-21_34_30-Search-results-Google-Drive.png)

### GAT+ Flag Reflects File's State

The policy will be reflected in GAT+ the files will have a **Flag: Restricted **

![](https://gatlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/screenshot-uk.generalaudittool.com-2021.05.13-19_35_04.png)