Google will delete inactive Gmail accounts starting from December 1, 2023. This decision applies to accounts that have been dormant for the past two years, including all associated data such as emails, Drive files, Photos, and Contacts.
The motivation behind this move is the heightened vulnerability of older accounts to cyberattacks. Google’s internal data indicates that inactive accounts are ten times less likely to have two-factor authentication enabled compared to active accounts, making them more susceptible to hacking attempts.
Additionally, external services linked to inactive Gmail accounts are at risk of compromise. To address these security concerns and safeguard user data, Google has opted to remove accounts that have remained inactive for two years.
However, the deletion of inactive accounts will not occur immediately. Google will implement the removal process gradually, commencing in December 2023, in small batches. This phased approach allows users time to reactivate their accounts if they wish to retain access.
Once an account is deleted, all associated data, including emails, Drive files, documents, meetings, and other files, will be permanently removed. This process is irreversible, and users will not be able to recover their data.
How to Keep Your Google Account?
To prevent their accounts from being deleted, users can simply sign in to their Gmail accounts at least once every two years. This minimal activity ensures that their accounts remain active and are not subject to removal.
In addition to regular sign-ins, users can engage in various activities to keep their accounts active and prevent deletion. These activities include using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, performing Google searches, and utilizing Sign-in with Google for third-party apps or services.
It’s important to note that Google presently has no plans to delete inactive accounts with YouTube videos. If an old, unused account is linked to YouTube and contains a public video, Google will not delete that account despite inactivity. However, this policy may be subject to updates in the future.
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