Google is issuing an alert to Gmail users who haven’t accessed their accounts in a while, urging them to retrieve their login details.
The tech giant has announced its intention to delete personal accounts that have been unused for two years or more, citing concerns about the potential impact on emails, photos and documents stored within those accounts. have increased
For individuals who have neglected their Gmail accounts, there is a possibility that Google may delete the accounts and the content associated with them. This policy extends to all content within Google Workspace, as well as YouTube and Google Photos, including services such as Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet and Calendar.
However, it’s important to note that this account deletion policy applies specifically to personal Google accounts and won’t affect accounts associated with organizations such as schools or businesses, as Google’s vice president of product management Ruth said. Critchley said in a recent blog post. .
The removal process is expected to begin in December, with Google emphasizing that it will proceed gradually and with sufficient notice. Accounts that were created but will never be used again will be targeted first in a phased manner. To ensure users are aware of impending deletions, Google plans to send multiple notifications over the months for account removal. These notifications will be sent to both the account email address and the recovery email, if one is provided.
The driving force behind Google’s account deletion policy is security. The company claims that abandoned accounts are significantly more susceptible to compromise than active accounts, which are less likely to have two-step verification enabled.
These inactive accounts often rely on old or reused passwords that have been compromised in the past, lack two-factor authentication, and receive fewer security checks from account owners. Once an inactive account falls into the wrong hands, it can be used for a variety of purposes, from identity theft to spreading unwanted and potentially malicious content such as spam. .
To prevent their accounts from being deleted, users are advised to sign in to their Google Account at least once every two years. Google considers this the easiest and most effective way to maintain account activity and protect photos and content from deletion.
But what exactly qualifies as “account activity”? According to Google, reading or sending email, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, searching on Google, or using the “Sign in with Google” feature for third parties. Apps or Services may be considered Account Activity.
For those concerned about the potential loss of their emails, photos and other important records, Google recommends taking proactive steps. This includes ensuring that a recovery email is provided during the account sign-up process and verifying that the recovery email is up-to-date in the account settings. By doing so, users can establish a reliable backup plan and reduce the risk of losing their valuable data.
With proper account activity and the implementation of additional security measures, users can ensure the longevity and protection of their emails, photos and important documents.
