Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc, announced on Tuesday its plan to delete inactive accounts that have remained unused for two years. This proactive measure aims to mitigate potential security threats, including hacking incidents.
Effective from December, Google will initiate the deletion process for Google accounts that have not been used or signed into for a minimum of two years. This action will extend to content stored across various Google Workspace platforms such as Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, and Calendar, as well as YouTube and Google Photos.
It is important to note that this policy change exclusively applies to personal Google Accounts and does not encompass accounts associated with organizations such as schools or businesses.
Relevant Read: Google’s upgraded search product aims to tackle Microsoft’s Bing search with AI integration
In 2020, Google had introduced a policy to remove content stored in inactive accounts, but it refrained from deleting the accounts themselves.
To ensure users are adequately informed, Google will send multiple notifications to the account email address and recovery mail of inactive accounts prior to their deletion. This proactive approach aims to give users ample opportunity to take necessary actions, such as accessing their accounts or backing up essential data before it is permanently removed.
This move by Google aligns with the recent actions taken by other prominent technology companies to address inactive accounts. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently announced that Twitter would remove accounts that have been inactive for an extended period and archive them. Musk highlighted the importance of freeing up abandoned handles to optimize the platform’s functionality.
By deleting unused accounts, Google aims to enhance the security and privacy of its users while streamlining its services. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient online environment. Users are encouraged to stay vigilant and regularly access their Google accounts to prevent any inconvenience or loss of data resulting from potential deletions.
