Box Hijacked My Google Docs & Broke My Files Without Asking

I’m furious. After installing Box Drive for Mac, it decided on its own to take over how my Google Docs, Sheets and Slides files open—without asking me. Now, when I try to open these files, I see a broken JSON error instead of my documents. Even after uninstalling Box and trying every fix, the problem persists. This is unacceptable.

Highly questionable and objectionable stuff Box did:

• Stole control of my files: Box set itself as the default app for .gdoc files without my explicit permission.

• Replaced my files with junk: Box turned Google Docs shortcuts into unreadable JSON text. When I try to set Open With to default app I get something like this: {"":"WARNING! DO NOT EDIT THIS FILE! ANY CHANGES MADE WILL BE LOST!","doc_id":"XXX,"resource_key":"",XXX}. (XXX are private data so obscuring it here.)

• Zero warning or consent: No pop-up, no checkbox—just silent sabotage.

• No way to get real help: No direct support. Users are forced to post in community forums like this.

1. Why does Box thinks it’s okay to hijack file associations without permission.

2. I need a tool from box to undo the damage (revert JSON files to actual Google Docs links).

3. Box should update its app so it never does this again without explicit opt-in.

This isn’t just annoying—it’s shady. Forcing users into your ecosystem by breaking their files is against basic user rights. If this isn’t resolved, I’ll publicly escalate to consumer protection agencies and share my experience.

System info:

• Box Desktop v2.44.209

• macOS 15.4.1

Is this really the experience Box is designed to do?