Google inactive account deletion: What You Need to Know
If you’ve got an old Google account you haven’t used in a while, it could be on the chopping block. Google has announced its plans to delete inactive accounts this Friday as part of its passive account policy.
Google will take a phased approach to account deletions, starting with those that “were created and never used again.” Simply signing into your account or sending an email should be enough to keep it active and safe from deletion.
The reason behind this move, according to Google, is security. Unused and forgotten accounts are more susceptible to compromise. A Google account provides access to various Google products like Gmail and YouTube, all under the same username and password. Old accounts often rely on outdated or reused passwords and typically lack two-factor authentication, making them vulnerable targets for hackers.
Once a compromised account falls into the wrong hands, it can be used for anything from identity theft to spreading malicious content and spam.
So, how can you ensure your account is safe from deletion? Signing in is the most straightforward method, extending your account’s lifespan for another two years. Reading or sending emails through Google Drive or watching a YouTube video can also help.
Having a recovery email address associated with your account is a wise precaution. This email address lets you reset your password if you ever forget it. Google has notified affected accounts and their recovery email addresses about the impending deletion.
Additionally, users are reminded to sign in to Google Photos every two years to be considered active. This ensures that your cherished photos and other content remain intact. As with account deletions, Google will send warnings before taking any action.
It’s important to note that accounts created for users by their workplace or school, as well as accounts linked to ongoing Google services, subscriptions, or managing a child’s account using Google’s Family Link feature, will not be affected by this deletion policy.
If you’ve recently signed into your Google account, there’s no need to worry; it’s considered active and won’t be deleted.
