I didn't try that. I marked them public because I assumed that's what triggers the scan.

AFAIK the copyright scan only happens on files shared from certain types of Drive accounts, the assumption presumably being that while Google doesn't know or care if you have rights to possess data, they can be reasonably sure you wouldn't be using Drive links as the means of distributing many well-known files (video, music, software, mostly) if you had rights to do so.

How far Artificial Stupidity runs into the weeds from that basically sound beginning appears to be "still farther."

FYI Drive also does scans (configurable on business accounts) for data such as likely accidental PII disclosures on shared data, and anti-malware checks on at least Windows and Mac executables, installers, and dmgs.

What is the best in class cloud drive software which doesn't do this? I feel like Dropbox is a bit more selective, but without going into the Megas of the world, there doesn't seem to be a good file share with solid end-user desktop sync.

Honestly, when I read a few months ago that Google was scanning Drive for illegal files (probably only when shared but unconfirmed) I decided to back out of Drive, and I figured that all the other big/reputable players are doing it too so I've gone back to a portable hard drive.

Maybe B2? It's not something I have to looked into extensively. My needs for sharing data from GDrive are limited and if there is data I don't feel like google automation getting at I have it encrypted via rclone mounts.

NextCloud

I got into pCloud precisely because they have a Linux client.

Does it just prevent you from sharing the files or does it prevent you from accessing the file as well?

Just tried that, and I get a "request a review" link. Interesting.

"Unable to share This item may violate our Terms of Service - Request a review"

Clicking on it, though, gives no joy:

"451. Sorry, Google is unable to process your request. This item was taken down for legal reasons and cannot be appealed. Please visit the Legal Removals Requests page for more information."

https://imgur.com/a/5YHQtLi

Someone just needs to copyright the number 451 and then they won't be able to return that HTTP response!

Checkmate, google!

Someone already did.

Fahrenheit 451.

The flashpoint of wood pulp paper.

You... didn't think that wasn't specifically chosen for that reason, right?

Google search publishes the DMCA letter that takes down search results. It's sad they don't do the same here.