Solution found - to Google Drive not loading files in Big Sur - Getting 'Needs Approval'/Open Security and Privacy Settings message

When I first got that message, I authorized Google on the Security-Privacy screen. But that didn't work.

Then reinstalled Drive, but no good. Then I tried signing into to Drive with another browser, but no good. So I contacted Google Workspace tech support via chat, and they eventually had me delete the Drive FS cache folder and enter terminal commands to give Drive permission in Big Sur to download files. See steps below.

1. Open Finder.

2. Press "Command+Shift+G." (or on the menu, select 'Go', then 'Go To Folder')

3. Paste the following path and hit “Go”

 ~/Library/Application Support/Google

4. then delete the 'DriveFS' folder

Then

1. Boot into recovery mode by restarting, and holding "command +R" as soon as it shuts down. The Recovery screen will come up.

2. Then select your username, then enter, then type in password, then enter

3 . Then in the menu (top left), select Utilies, then terminal.

2. Run the following commands by entering them (my comments are in square brackets so do not include with the command; note: the commands are case sensitive):

csrutil disable [then hit enter. it might then say "system integrity protection is off blah blah blah. ignore and enter the second command]

spctl kext-consent add EQHXZ8M8AV [then hit enter]

[then restart by selecting the apple in the menu (top left), and selecting restart .... which will restart and get you back to the normal screen. now login and try Drive again. It should work. it worked for me.]

Hope this helps. May God continue to richly bless you :-)