Google to delete millions of Gmail accounts next month. Google has announced an update to its inactivity policy for Google Accounts, potentially affecting millions of Gmail users.
The new policy, set to take effect in December 2023, targets accounts that have been inactive for a minimum of two years.
In a blog post authored by Ruth Kricheli, Google’s Vice President of Product Management, the company outlined the motivation behind the update.
The primary concern is the security risk associated with forgotten or unattended accounts, often using outdated or reused passwords without two-factor authentication.
According to the post, abandoned accounts are deemed at least 10 times less likely to have two-step verification, making them vulnerable to various security threats.
The impending deletion applies exclusively to personal Google accounts that have not accessed their Gmail inactivity within the specified two-year timeframe.
Notably, accounts associated with organizations, including schools or businesses, remain unaffected by this policy.
Google’s rationale for this stringent measure is rooted in security considerations. The company’s internal analysis indicates that inactive accounts are prone to compromise, potentially leading to identity theft or becoming conduits for malicious activities such as spam.
To avoid the risk of deletion, Google advises users to keep their accounts active by signing in at least once every two years.
Various actions qualify as account activity, including reading or sending emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, utilizing Google Search, or signing in to third-party apps via Google Sign-in.
Importantly, Google assures users that if they have an active subscription tied to their Google Account, such as Google One, a news publication, or an app, ongoing account activity will be considered, safeguarding their accounts from deletion.
Additionally, Google currently has no intentions to delete accounts associated with YouTube videos.
As Google to delete millions of Gmail accounts next month, in light of these developments, it is imperative for Gmail users to stay informed and take proactive measures to ensure the security and continuity of their accounts.
Regular sign-ins, coupled with adherence to security best practices, including enabling two-step verification, are essential to mitigate the potential risks outlined in Google’s updated inactivity policy.
