Google recently announced a new policy that will see inactive GMail accounts being deleted to enhance security and optimize storage space. This article provides details about the upcoming changes and offers guidance on how users can keep their accounts active and retrieve important data before deletion.

Google’s Phased Approach to Deletion

Starting in December 2023, Google will begin deleting old and unused GMail accounts that have been inactive for at least two years. The deletion process will be carried out in a phased approach, starting with accounts that were created but never used. To ensure users are informed, Google will send multiple notifications to the account’s email address and recovery email, if provided, in the months leading up to deletion. This gives users ample time to take action and retrieve any important data.

Requirements to Keep an Account Active

To keep an account active, users need to sign in periodically or perform basic actions such as reading or sending emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Play Store, conducting Google searches, or signing in to third-party apps or services using “Sign in with Google.” Using a signed-in Android device also counts as an activity.

Security and Privacy Considerations

The primary motivation behind this change is to bolster security. Inactive accounts, especially those with old or reused passwords, are more vulnerable to compromise.

Google’s analysis shows that abandoned accounts are significantly less likely to have two-step verification enabled compared to active accounts. Deleting these inactive accounts helps mitigate the risks of identity theft, spam, and the spread of malicious content. It also aligns with industry standards for limiting the retention of unused personal information.

Recovery Options and Account Management

Google advises users to assign a recovery email and make use of the Inactive Account Manager, which allows users to decide on appropriate actions when an account becomes inactive. Options include sending files to trusted contacts, setting up a Gmail autoresponder, or initiating the deletion of the account. Google Photos already has a separate two-year sign-in and usage policy, and accounts with active subscriptions on the Play Store are considered active.

Preserving YouTube Videos and Address Reuse

Accounts with YouTube videos will not be deleted to preserve historical content. It’s important to note that Gmail addresses will not be freed up for reuse when an account is deleted, distinguishing Google’s policy from other services.

Stay Informed and Take Action

Google’s new policy regarding inactive GMail accounts aims to enhance security and optimize storage space. Users are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming changes, sign in periodically, and utilize the available account management tools to ensure the safety of their data and make informed decisions about their inactive accounts.