Navigating 'This App is Blocked' Errors: A Google Workspace Admin's Guide to GCloud SDK Access and Your Google Suite Dashboard

Google Workspace administrators often manage a complex ecosystem of internal and external applications that interact with their organization's data. A recent thread on the Google support forums highlighted a sudden and disruptive issue: users attempting to authenticate the Google Cloud SDK (gcloud) were met with a stark "This app is blocked" message during the browser-based login flow. This insight explores the problem, its potential causes, and how Workspace admins can navigate such security blocks, often starting from their Google Suite dashboard.

The Unexpected Block: GCloud SDK Login Fails

Users reported that the command gcloud auth application-default login, which typically initiates a browser-based authentication, suddenly stopped working. The error message explicitly stated: "This app tried to access sensitive info in your Google Account. To keep your account safe, Google blocked this access." What made this particularly puzzling was that the process had been working flawlessly for years, ceasing only hours before the reports emerged. The issue was reproducible in fresh container environments but, interestingly, one user noted it worked on macOS, suggesting potential environment-specific factors or a phased rollout of a new security measure.

gcloud auth application-default login

Why Apps Get Blocked: Understanding Google's Security Posture

Google continuously enhances its security protocols to protect user data. When an application attempts to access sensitive information, Google's systems evaluate the request against a set of security policies. A "This app is blocked" message typically indicates one of the following:

• Unverified App: The application (or its OAuth client ID) might not be verified by Google, especially if it's new, internal, or recently changed its scope of access.
• Sensitive Scopes: The application is requesting access to highly sensitive data (e.g., user email, Drive files, calendar data) without adequate verification or explicit admin approval.
• Admin Restrictions: A Google Workspace administrator might have explicitly blocked the app or configured organizational policies that prevent unapproved third-party or internal apps from accessing data.
• Recent Policy Changes: Google may have recently updated its security policies, leading to previously working applications being flagged.

For Workspace admins, maintaining data security is paramount. While this specific issue relates to the GCloud SDK, the underlying principles apply broadly to how applications interact with Google services. For instance, ensuring that users can how to find a shared document on google drive securely, or monitoring overall google disk usage, relies on robust access controls and app management.

Admin Actions: Diagnosing and Resolving App Blocks from Your Google Suite Dashboard

When faced with an app block, Google Workspace admins have several avenues to investigate and resolve the issue:

1. Check the Google Cloud Console (for the GCloud SDK):
   • OAuth Consent Screen: Ensure the OAuth consent screen for your Google Cloud project is properly configured and, if necessary, published or set to an "Internal" user type if only used within your organization. If the app is external, it may require verification.
   • API & Services: Verify that the necessary APIs are enabled for the project.
   • Credentials: Review the OAuth 2.0 Client IDs. Ensure the correct type (e.g., "Desktop app" or "Web application") is used for the authentication flow.
2. Review Google Workspace Admin Console (Your Google Suite Dashboard):
   • Security Settings: Navigate to Security > API controls > App access control. Check if the Google Cloud SDK (or the underlying OAuth client ID) is listed as "Blocked" or "Limited." You might need to add it to the "Trusted" list or configure specific access levels.
   • OAuth App Access: Under Security > Access and data control > API controls > Manage Third-Party App Access, you can see and manage all apps that have requested or have access to your users' Google data. Look for any entries related to the Google Cloud SDK or generic Google services that might be blocked.
   • Alert Center: Check the Google Suite dashboard's Alert Center for any security alerts related to unverified apps, suspicious login attempts, or policy violations that might shed light on the block.
3. Consult Google Cloud & Workspace Documentation: Google frequently updates its security policies and best practices. Refer to the official documentation for the latest requirements for OAuth client verification and API access.
4. Test with a Service Account (Alternative for Automation): For automated processes or non-interactive environments, consider using service account authentication as an alternative to user-based login, which often bypasses browser-based OAuth flows.

The "This app is blocked" error, while frustrating, is a critical security feature. For Google Workspace admins, understanding how to manage app access through the Google Cloud Console and the Google Suite dashboard is essential. Proactive management of app permissions and staying informed about Google's security updates ensures that vital tools like the GCloud SDK remain accessible while keeping organizational data secure.