Google to start deleting some Google accounts with Gmail, Photos and Drive starting today
Report by: Priya Bhatt
Starting Friday (December 1), Google is moving ahead with its plan to delete Google accounts that have been inactive for at least two years. The company announced the policy in May this year, saying it’s intended to prevent security risks. “Internal findings show older accounts are more likely to rely on recycled passwords and less likely to employ up-to-date security measures like two-step-verification, making them far more vulnerable to issues like phishing, hacking and spam,” said the company in a statement. Google accounts include everything from Gmail to Docs to Drive to Photos, meaning all content across an inactive user’s Google account will be deleted.
• Why is Google deleting accounts
Google updated its account policy earlier this year whereby it said that it will delete inactive accounts.
• When will Google start deleting inactive accounts
Google’s updated account policy is already into effect, however, the deletion of accounts is slated to start from December 1.
• What all Google accounts will be affected by this
According to the official inactive account policy support page, only personal Google accounts will be affected by this. The policy does not apply to Google accounts that were set up for you through your work, school, or other organisation.
• What will Google erase alongside the account
Google is set to delete both the account and all associated data, spanning Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar) and Google Photos.
• How will users know if their Google account will be deleted
Google outlines a phased approach, involving notifications sent to users before the account deletion process begins. Multiple notifications will be dispatched over the months, reaching both the account email address and the recovery email if provided.
• How Google deems an account inactive
Google deems an account inactive if there has been no activity in the account for over two years.
• How to save your account from deletion
To save your Google account from deletion, all you need to do is log in to sign into your Google account or any Google service at least once every two years and perhaps read an email, watch a video or perform a single search.
There are some exceptions to the account deletion policy
Apart from the regular activities mentioned above, Google has also listed a couple of other activities where it considers an account as active.
Your Google Account has been utilised for acquiring a current or ongoing Google product, app, service or subscription. Additionally, it holds a gift card featuring a monetary balance. If your Google Account is associated with a published application or game on the Google Play store that has ongoing subscriptions or active financial transactions, it falls under this category.
Moreover, if your account oversees an active minor account through Family Link or has been used to procure digital items such as books or movies, it is covered by these conditions.
