In one sentence: Permissions are the rules about what a person or an app is allowed to do.
Why it matters: When you share a Google file, you choose viewer, commenter or editor. A viewer can only open it, a commenter can also add comments, and an editor can change it. Apps on your phone also ask for permissions, for example to use your camera, contacts or location.
One thing to do: Open your phone settings, pick one app you rarely use, and check which permissions it has. Turn off any it does not need.
Related terms: anyone with the link, privacy settings, cloud storage
Learn more: Google Docs ‘Anyone With the Link’: Who Can See Your Files?
Checked: 25 Oct 2026. Settings screens change. If yours looks different, search the company's help page.
