Google is cracking down on inactive Gmail accounts, with the company set to delete unused accounts—a move that has left many users concerned. If you have not accessed your Google account in the past two years, you might be at risk. But don’t panic just yet; there are steps you can take to save your account and any content within it. Here’s the lowdown.
Earlier this year, an email from Google informed a user that their account, inactive for eight months, would be deleted come September. This new policy means any Google account left unused for two years or more is at risk. Ruth Kricheli, a vice president of product management at Google, highlighted the risks this poses: inactive accounts are more likely to be compromised due to weak security measures.
“Google reserves the right to delete an inactive Google Account,” the policy states. This includes all content within Google Workspace—Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar—and Google Photos. Despite these safeguards, inactive accounts are particularly susceptible to hijacking, often due to poor password practices and a lack of two-factor authentication.
Google emphasizes that abandoned accounts are less likely to have the necessary security features. Internal data confirms inactive accounts are ten times less likely to have two-step verification set up, making them a soft target for breaches. While security is a primary concern, the cost of storing unused data is likely a minor factor influencing this policy shift.
Fortunately, preventing your account from being deleted is straightforward. Google considers an account active if you read or send an email, share a photo, watch a YouTube video, use Google Drive, or conduct a Google search. Simply performing one of these actions at least once every two years keeps your account safe. A Google Account Security Check-Up can help ensure you have the appropriate security measures in place.
There are exceptions to this rule. Accounts used to make purchases or subscriptions, hold active gift cards, or are part of managed services like Family Link are considered active. These measures mainly apply to personal accounts and not to those tied to organizations like schools or businesses.
If you have forgotten your login credentials, Google’s account recovery process can help. Start by entering your recovery email or phone number; Google will send a verification code. After recovering account details, you can reset your password. Keeping your recovery options updated is crucial to avoid losing access.
For those managing multiple accounts on one device, switching between them is easy. Just click on your avatar in any Google service, select ‘add account,’ and sign in. This makes all accounts active, ensuring none fall under the inactive policy.
Therefore, while Google’s inactive account policy aims to maintain security and streamline storage, it does mean users must stay proactive. Make sure to log in and use your account periodically to safeguard your content.
In summary, Google’s new policy on inactive Gmail accounts highlights the importance of regular account activity and security measures. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure your account remains active and secure, avoiding deletion and the potential loss of valuable content.
Source: Forbes