Google has initiated a significant purge of inactive Gmail accounts, causing concern among users worldwide.
Story Summary:
- Google has begun deleting inactive Gmail accounts, sparking outrage among users.
- Accounts inactive for over two years will be deleted starting December 2023, unless action is taken.
- Here’s how you can ensure your account stays active and prevent it from being deleted.
Google sparks outrage for deleting Gmail accounts
The company announced last year that any Gmail account that has not been accessed for over two years would be permanently deleted, starting from December 2023.
This new policy has been implemented to reduce the risk of hackers exploiting dormant accounts, which are more vulnerable due to outdated passwords and security measures.
Users were given multiple warnings about their accounts, with Google sending out several notifications ahead of time.
However, many have expressed frustration and anxiety over potentially losing access to their personal data, files, and memories stored in these accounts.
Understanding Google’s inactive account policies
Google’s new inactive account policy applies to any account that has not been logged into for more than two years across its services, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Photos, and Calendar.
The company explains that unused accounts are more susceptible to hacking because they often lack two-factor authentication and other up-to-date security features.
Inactive accounts are “10x more likely to be compromised,” Google said in a blog post.
The policy does not affect accounts set up through work, school, or other organisations.
It also doesn’t immediately affect accounts with active subscriptions like Google One or those with YouTube videos.
Before an account is deleted, Google will send multiple notifications to both the account email and any registered recovery email.
How to prevent your Gmail account from deletion
If you want to keep your Gmail account and prevent it from being deleted, there are several easy ways to ensure it remains active.
Google defines account activity broadly, meaning that even a minimal level of engagement can save your account from deletion.
Some ways to show activity include:
- Reading or sending an email: Simply logging in to Gmail and reading or sending a message keeps your account active.
- Using Google Drive or Photos: Uploading, viewing, or sharing files through these services counts as activity.
- Watching a YouTube video: If you’re signed in, watching content on YouTube will also keep your account active.
- Using Google Search: Conducting a search while logged into your Google account demonstrates activity.
- Logging in to third-party apps using your Google account: Many services offer a “Sign in with Google” option, and using this ensures your account is recognized as active.
Make sure to check whether your recovery email is still current, so you don’t miss any vital alerts from Google regarding your account status.
Additionally, accounts with ongoing subscriptions or services are also protected from deletion.
