[hrktb]

For me the first realization is that puting files on Drive is considered publishing.

Mentally it was closer to a private space that can be shared in parts. For instance I synchronize pics from my phone to Google Photos, and it’s labelled “backup” in the app. But now I need to readjust.

Also now that an algorithm can start deleting files here and there depending on the mood and flavor of the TOS that day (because, really, the last time I even tried to read the TOS was years ago), Drive becomes basically useless as a file storage/backup service, and as you point out I’m back on the long journey to find a decent storage provider to back my NAS and a photo service at the same time.

Considering an awful lot of people must have operated under the same assumptions until now, I think having a fuss is justified.

[dragonwriter]

> For me the first realization is that puting files on Drive is considered publishing.

Putting stuff on Drive isn't publishing in the usual sense, but Drive can be (and often is) used for publishing, just like every file storage service that makes it possible to share a link to access stores files ever has been.

It's not clear if all the issues are with shared rather than merely stored content, but it certainly seems that the primary context of the issues in TFA is shared content.