Understanding the Google OAuth process

Viewture requires content creators to connect their channels via Google OAuth. This enables Viewture to download read-only channel data and also monitor channel performance during any funding period.

Here’s some more information about the Google OAuth process..

The Google OAuth (Open Authorisation) process is a secure authentication and authorisation protocol that allows third-party applications to access a user's Google account without exposing the user's credentials, such as username and password. It's commonly used to enable users to grant access to their Google account data to other applications or services in a controlled and secure manner.

Here's a basic explanation of how the Google OAuth process works:

User initiates authentication: When a user wants to access a service or application that requires access to their Google account data (such as email, calendar, or contacts), they are redirected to the application's website or login page.

Authorization request: The application initiates the OAuth process by sending an authorization request to Google's OAuth server. This request includes information such as the application's client ID, scope (permissions requested), and a redirect URL.

User consent: Upon receiving the authorisation request, Google's OAuth server prompts the user with a consent screen. This screen outlines the permissions requested by the application (access to specific Google services or data). The user can review the permissions and decide whether to grant access to the application.

Authorization grant: If the user consents to the requested permissions, Google's OAuth server generates an authorisation grant (an access token) and redirects the user back to the application's redirect URL along with this access token.

Token exchange: The application receives the authorisation grant (access token) and sends a token request to Google's OAuth server, exchanging the authorisation grant for an access token and a refresh token. The access token is used to make authenticated requests to access the user's Google account data.

Accessing user data: With the received access token, the application can now make authorised API requests to Google's services on behalf of the user. These API requests include the access token in the request header to authenticate and access the requested user data.

Token expiration and refresh: Access tokens have a limited lifespan for security reasons. When the access token expires, the application can use the refresh token (if provided during token exchange) to obtain a new access token without requiring user re-authorisation.

This OAuth flow ensures that the user's credentials are never shared with the third-party application, maintaining security and user privacy. Additionally, users have control over which permissions they grant to applications and can revoke access at any time through their Google account settings. If you have any questions about the OAuth process please Get In Touch with us.