When I installed Google Drive I was surprised that the default was to sync all Google Docs. I have created a Shared Google Docs folder which I intend to use if I wish to use the service (for now, I’m happy with Dropbox and Skydrive – especially for collaborating on MS Word files).

The problem with the inaccurate “Google is claiming ownership of your documents” rhetoric, is that some of the more relevant criticisms, such as default actions which will be accepted by many, aren’t being addressed.

I’ll probably continue to use Dropbox (cautiously!); I’m unlikely to adopt a Google service as I’m already uneasy about how much information I supply to them through other services.

We may update these Terms (including our Privacy Statement) from time to time. Changes will have immediate effect from the date of posting on this Site and you should therefore review these Terms regularly. Your continued use of this Site after changes have been made will be taken to indicate that you accept that you are bound by the updated Terms.

is, in fact, CloudWorks, which is provided by the Open University!

The point I was trying to make is that Google’s terms and conditions are not dissimilar to those provided by Dropbox and Skydrive (as described in more detail by woms.tech) – and, in addition, the terms and conditions provided by universities may also worry users that they could be used against them. In reality such terms and conditions will often be needed in order for the organisation to implement its service and ensure they have a sustainable business model.

We have two instances of Google Apps. Our student instance is on the Google rapid release schedule, so they’ve already got it! For staff we are more cautious in how we enable apps.

I echo Chris’ comment about Google Drive being covered under existing contractual agreements. But there are three technical features I think we need:

1 A multi-user install of Google Drive, so you can use it sensibly on shared computers.
2 apps for iPhone and iPad,
3 ability to bulk purchase additional storage.

2 and 3 are promised soon. Bulk purchase additional storage is already available for Google Apps business edition, and the Google education team are promising it. I hope the iOS app is working its way somewhere through Apple’s review process. But there’s no news on a multi-user install, which we really need for student computer rooms, and even enterprise-managed staff desktops.

http://womstech.com/2012/04/25/terms-of-service-for-drive-skydrive-dropbox-and-box-compared/

The fact that organizations may have negotiated their own terms is an interesting wrinkle on the old question of “should I use my personal identity or my institutional one for my online presence?”

Pinterest has updated their Terms of Service to exclude “sell”.

Pinterest updates Terms of Service, drops the “sell”, by Glendon Mellow, Scientific American, 24 March 2012
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/symbiartic/2012/03/24/pinterest_updates_terms/

Pinterest’s Terms of Service, Word by Terrifying Word By Kalliopi Monoyios, Scientific American, 19 March 2012
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/symbiartic/2012/03/19/pinterests-terms-of-service-word-by-terrifying-word/

It should be noted that, like Google, Pinterest states “Cold Brew Labs does not claim any ownership rights in any such Member Content”. Still, they do retain the right to sell your stuff…