The "Editor" possesses the highest level of agency short of full ownership. This role grants near-total control over the file’s content and metadata.
Google Drive’s sharing settings create a spectrum of access: viewer commenter editor google drive download
Therefore, the Google Drive permission system is best understood as a policy enforcement tool rather than an impenetrable encryption lock. It signals intent and legal boundaries to the user. For Editors, the ability to download is a necessity of their workflow; for Viewers and Commenters, the lack of download rights serves as a digital "Do Not Touch" sign. The "Editor" possesses the highest level of agency
While the permission model is robust, it operates on a foundation of "compliance security." The browser-based interface prevents the casual user from using the "File > Download" menu. However, this model has limitations. Technical workarounds, such as taking screenshots, using browser developer tools to extract embedded images, or utilizing third-party screen scrapers, can bypass these restrictions. It signals intent and legal boundaries to the user