Google's new policy threatens deletion of millions of Gmail accounts next month | Check Details
PTC Web Desk: Millions of Gmail users face the risk of losing access to their accounts next month as Google implements a new inactivity policy. Starting in December 2023, accounts that have been inactive for at least two years may be deleted, along with their contents in Google Workspace and Google Photos.
The move is aimed at enhancing security, as dormant accounts often lack updated passwords and two-factor authentication, making them susceptible to compromise.
Google Vice President of Product Management, Ruth Kricheli, explained in a May blog post that abandoned accounts are over 10 times less likely to have two-step verification enabled, making them vulnerable to various threats, including identity theft and malicious content distribution.
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This policy applies exclusively to personal Google accounts and does not impact accounts associated with organisations like schools or businesses.
To keep an account active and avoid deletion, users are advised to sign in at least once every two years. Activities such as reading or sending emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, and conducting Google searches qualify as account activity. Additionally, users with active subscriptions linked to their Google Account, such as Google One, news publications, or apps, will have their ongoing activity considered to maintain account status. Google currently has no plans to delete accounts associated with YouTube videos.
- With inputs from agencies
