Google is set to commence a sweeping deletion of inactive accounts next month, marking a crucial deadline for users to safeguard their access to vital services and personal data. This new policy, announced earlier this year, is poised to take effect in December 2023, merely a few weeks away. Users who haven’t engaged with their Gmail or Google Photos accounts in a while must heed this imperative alert.
The internet giant has made it clear that it will purge accounts that have remained dormant for an extended period. Google’s stance is unequivocal: “If a Google Account has not been used or signed into for at least 2 years, we may delete the account and its contents – including content within Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar) and Google Photos.” This stringent measure is designed to enhance online security and prevent cyber threats.
The significance of this move is underscored by Google’s assertion that inactive accounts are prime targets for cybercriminals, posing a heightened risk for the entire user community. Once compromised, these accounts can be exploited for identity theft, spam, and even the dissemination of malicious content. Google emphasizes that such dormant accounts often rely on outdated or reused passwords, lack two-factor authentication, and receive fewer security checks, rendering them susceptible to breaches.
To mitigate this security risk, Google will send multiple notifications to the account email address and the recovery email address in the months leading up to deletion. However, those who actively use their Gmail, Docs, Calendar, and Photos accounts need not fret, as this policy won’t affect them.
Why is Google making this change?
The initiative aims to bolster online security and protect users from potential threats by ensuring that all accounts are actively managed and secured. Google’s analysis revealed that unattended accounts are at least 10 times less likely than active accounts to have two-step verification set up. This additional layer of security requires a secondary device to receive a verification message, thus making it more challenging for hackers to breach accounts. By taking these steps, Google is not only preserving the integrity of its services, but also contributing to a safer online environment for all users.
