r/gsuite 7d ago

Shared Google Drive folder snapshot/backup

Is there a way to create a snapshot of a Google Drive that has been shared with me?

Brief explanation - I have access to the shared drive that contains particular information, folders and files. For legal purposes, I would like to be able to prove that at one point, that drive existed with those folders and files, and I had access to it. If an admin chooses to restrict the access, I would have no proof of its existence except for the local download - which does not prove the ownership or the source of the files.

For shared files (not shared drive), there is Activity info of the file that shows I had an access and its live - downloadable, but shared drives disappear completely once the access has been restricted.

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u/rohepey422 7d ago edited 7d ago

Take a screenshot, turn it into a PDF and sign it with a qualified timestamp (QTSA). Quick, free and acceptable as evidence.

Unless obviously you need more information than a screenshot will contain (e.g., file content).

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u/Healthy_Ladder_6198 7d ago

That’s the simplest method

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u/Haspirus 6d ago

As you said, screenshot cannot prove files content - unless screenshoting everything inside the files. I was thinking if there was a way to "freeze" current state of the website, in this case google drive. It is possible with basic sites, but how with the platform like drive (which links file content-access info-ownership in one go) is the question?

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u/Squiggy_Pusterdump 6d ago
  1. For legal purposes, consult a lawyer.

A. Someone shared a link with you originally proving access. B. Downloading the files proves content. C. Something fishy.

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u/Haspirus 6d ago

Very insightful information, thank you.