Google has revealed its plan to delete inactive accounts that have remained untouched for a minimum of two years. The tech giant announced the proactive step to safeguard against potential security risks earlier this week.
Google’s updated policy will come into force with immediate effect. The deletion process, however, will only take place this December.
In order to ensure that users have enough time to reactivate their accounts, the company intends to send multiple warning notifications before conducting the phased removal of inactive accounts.
Google’s initial focus will be on accounts that were created but never revisited by users. That said, it is important to note that the policy will exclusively impact personal accounts, leaving organizational accounts such as those belonging to schools and businesses untouched.
Why has Google decided to delete inactive accounts?
The decision by Google is a result of internal findings that indicate older accounts are more susceptible to security breaches due to the higher likelihood of relying on recycled passwords and the lower probability of implementing robust security measures like two-step verification. Such vulnerabilities expose these accounts to risks such as phishing attempts, hacking incidents, and spam-related issues.
The recent development marks a departure from Google’s previous policy. In 2020, the company stated that users’ content on discontinued services would be erased, but the accounts themselves would remain unaffected.
How can you keep your Google account?
To prevent your account from being deleted, simply login to your Google account or any Google service. Engaging in activities such as reading an email, watching a video, performing a single search, or any number of other interactions will demonstrate account activity.
Google’s proactive approach towards security underscores its commitment to user safety. By deleting inactive accounts, the company aims to mitigate potential risks and ensure that users maintain robust security practices.
