Google has recently announced a significant update to its inactive account policies, stating that it will delete Google accounts that have remained unused or inactive for a period of at least two years. The purpose behind this move is to prioritize user security and mitigate the risks associated with maintaining inactive accounts.
The implementation of this new policy is scheduled to begin from December 2023. To ensure users are aware of the upcoming changes and have the opportunity to prevent their accounts from being automatically deleted, Google will send warning emails starting eight months in advance to users whose accounts are at risk.
Google’s decision to delete inactive accounts is driven by the aim to bolster security measures. Abandoned accounts are approximately 10 times less likely to have two-factor authentication enabled compared to active accounts, making them more susceptible to hacking and unauthorized access.
To minimize the risk of potential attacks like identity theft and spam distribution, Google will take a phased approach to the account deletion process. The company will notify users multiple times leading up to the deletion, using both the account email address and the recovery email (if provided) for communication.
It is important to note that this policy change will solely affect personal Google Accounts and will not impact accounts belonging to organizations such as schools or businesses. This update aligns Google’s retention and deletion policy with industry standards and also helps limit the storage of unused personal information.
To keep a Google account active and avoid deletion, users can take simple steps such as reading or sending an email, using Google Drive, watching a YouTube video, downloading an app from the Google Play Store, performing searches on Google, or utilizing “Sign in with Google” to access third-party apps or services.
Additionally, if an account has an existing subscription set up through it, even if it has been inactive for two years, Google will refrain from deleting it. This ensures that users with active subscriptions retain their accounts.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to delete inactive accounts is driven by the need to enhance user security and reduce potential risks associated with maintaining unused accounts. Users are encouraged to take necessary actions to keep their accounts active and receive ample warning before any deletion occurs.
