Google: Sharing Drive Files/Folders with MCommunity Groups

Environment

Google, My Drive, shared drives, MCommunity

Issue

Can I share a Google Drive file/folder in My Drive or a shared drive with an MCommunity group?

Resolution

• Yes, you can share Google Drive files/folders stored in My Drive or a shared drive with an MCommunity group instead of sharing access to each item with each member individually.
• It is important to note that while MCommunity groups can be shared on Drive files, they cannot own them.
• The only scenario you may notice this is if the MCommunity group is associated with a Google Shared Account.
  • However, these Shared Account groups do not function in the same way as regular groups because:
    • They do not sync membership to Google
    • Will not share files/folders with members of the group if used
    • Violate the appropriate use of Shared Accounts (which should not be used for storage in Google Drive or Photos)

Additional Information

Sharing with an MCommunity group that has an MCommunity group listed as a member (i.e., a subgroup) will provide access to the direct members of both MCommunity groups. 
(E.g., If MCommunity group B is a member of MCommunity group A, then the members of MCommunity Group A & B will gain access.) Again, this is not the case for MCommunity groups associated with Shared Accounts, as files will only be shared with the account itself, not its group members.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.