In a recent announcement, Google has revealed an update to its policies regarding inactive accounts. Starting in December of this year, personal Google accounts that have not been used for a period of at least two years may face deletion. This policy change aims to address security threats and protect users from potential compromises. While the new policy offers some time before enforcement begins, it's important for users to understand the implications and take necessary actions to safeguard their data.
Under the previous policy, Google would wipe data from unused personal accounts after a two-year period. However, with the latest update, Google has expanded the scope to potentially delete the entire account itself. This means not only losing access to Gmail but also losing work in Google Docs, Google Workspace, Google Photos, and any videos uploaded to YouTube.
Ruth Kricheli, Google's Vice President of Product Management, emphasized the need for enhanced security measures. Inactive accounts are more likely to be compromised and can serve as a breeding ground for identity theft or the distribution of unwanted and malicious content like spam.
Google measures account activity based on various actions, such as reading or sending emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, utilizing Google Search, or signing in to third-party apps or services through Google. However, it remains unclear whether accounts used for purposes like setting up email aliases that forward messages to a primary address will be subjected to deletion.
To ensure an account remains active and exempt from deletion, Google suggests engaging in account activity at least once every 24 months. Maintaining a subscription to services like Google One is one way to demonstrate activity. It is important to note that this new policy applies specifically to personal Google accounts and will not affect organizational accounts used by schools or businesses.
Before deleting an account, Google will send multiple notifications to the account holder's primary email address and any attached recovery email. These notifications will be sent over the months leading up to the deletion date, providing users with ample time to take action.
To prevent your account from being deleted, simply sign in to Gmail or any other Google service, such as Google Drive, YouTube, or Google Search. Additionally, downloading an app from the Google Play Store can also serve as an activity to maintain account eligibility. Users with existing subscriptions associated with their Google accounts, such as those linked to news outlets, will be considered active users and their accounts will be exempt from deletion.
Google's updated policy regarding inactive accounts signifies a significant change in how the company handles unused personal accounts. With the goal of enhancing security and protecting users from potential threats, Google aims to delete accounts that have not been used for a minimum of two years. By staying informed about these policy changes and proactively engaging with their Google accounts, users can ensure the safety and preservation of their valuable data. Remember, December marks the beginning of enforcement, so it's crucial to act in a timely manner and keep your accounts active.
