Google has announced that it will begin deleting inactive accounts starting December 1, 2023. This includes Gmail accounts, Google Photos libraries, Google Calendar appointments, and Google Docs archives.
The company says that this move is being made to enhance user security by eliminating accounts that are more susceptible to compromise.
Inactive accounts are more likely to have old or reused passwords, and they are not actively monitored, making them easier targets for hackers.
Google will send multiple notifications to inactive accounts before they are deleted. These notifications will be sent to the account email address and any recovery email address that is on file.
If you have a Google account that you haven’t used in a while, you should log in before December 1 to avoid having your account deleted.
- Google will begin deleting inactive accounts starting December 1, 2023.
- This includes Gmail accounts, Google Photos libraries, Google Calendar appointments, and Google Docs archives.
- The company says that this move is being made to enhance user security.
- Inactive accounts will receive multiple notifications before they are deleted.
How to Protect Your Account
- Log in to your Google account before December 1.
- Read or send an email using Gmail.
- Store something in Google Drive.
- Download an app from the Google Play Store.
- Add a photo to Google Photos.
- Perform a Google search while logged into your Google account.
This policy only applies to personal Google Accounts, not to accounts associated with organizations such as schools or businesses.
Active users of Gmail, Docs, Calendar, and Photos do not need to worry, as it only targets inactive accounts.
Google will consider active subscriptions linked to a Google Account, such as Google One, a news publication, or an app, as account activity, preventing such accounts from being deleted.