Google is set to delete inactive accounts starting December 1, 2023, in an effort to enhance security and protect user data.
An inactive account is defined as one that has not been used for two years. This includes activities such as signing in, reading or sending emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, or sharing photos.
Google has stated that they will send multiple notifications to inactive accounts before they are deleted. These notifications will be sent to the account itself and any linked recovery email addresses. The company also emphasizes that the removal of inactive accounts is only applicable to personal accounts and not those associated with work, school, or other organizations.
Google’s decision to delete inactive accounts is motivated by the fact that they are more susceptible to compromise. According to Google’s VP, Ruth Kricheli, a compromised account can be used for malicious activities such as identity theft and spamming.
Google encourages users with inactive accounts to take steps to safeguard their private information and prevent unauthorized access. This may include changing their passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and reviewing their privacy settings.
The sources for this piece include an article in Techspot.