GOOGLE ACCOUNTS TO BE DELETED IF INACTIVE FOR TWO YEARS
Have a Google account that you haven’t used in a while? If you want to prevent it from disappearing, you need to log in by the end of this week.
According to Google’s updated policy on inactive accounts, announced by the tech giant last May, accounts that have not been used for at least two years may be deleted. Inactive accounts will be deleted progressively starting from Friday.
If you have an account at risk of deletion, you should receive several notifications from Google, sent to the email associated with the account and its recovery email address (if it exists).
But if you’re still catching up on this new policy and want to ensure that your content on Google Drive, Docs, Gmail, and more is saved, here’s what you need to know.
WHY IS GOOGLE DELETING INACTIVE ACCOUNTS?
Google has attributed the update of inactive accounts to security issues.
The company has stated that accounts that have not been used for a long time are more likely to be compromised, emphasizing that “forgotten or unattended accounts” typically have old passwords, often do not have two-factor authentication, and receive less security checks. As a result, these accounts could be used for spam or other harmful content, as well as for identity theft.
HOW CAN I PREVENT MY ACCOUNT FROM BEING DELETED?
The easiest way to keep your Google account active (and therefore avoid it being deleted) is to log in at least once every two years.
Other actions that meet the account activity requirements include sending or scrolling through emails, using Google search, and watching videos on YouTube, all while logged into your Google account.
Existing subscriptions and settings through the Google account, including third-party app profiles and publications, can also be considered activity.
To retain content on Google Photos, specific access is required. As previously announced by Google, Photos content may be deleted even after two years of inactivity, which means it is necessary to open the application occasionally to prevent images from ending up in the trash.
ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY?
The update of inactive accounts will only apply to personal Google accounts that have not been used for two years or more. Accounts created for organizations, such as schools or businesses, will not be affected, according to Google.
Other exceptions concern Google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts containing a gift card balance, and those used to purchase Google products, apps, or subscriptions.
A Google spokesperson confirmed to the Associated Press on Monday that there are no plans to delete accounts linked to YouTube videos.
CAN I RETAIN MY GOOGLE ACCOUNT DATA?
In addition to keeping your Google account active, there are some tools that help manage and back up your data.
For example, Google Takeout allows users to download and export account data outside of Google at any time.
Furthermore, the Inactive Account Manager allows you to choose what would happen to your account and data in the event of inactivity, including the ability to send selected files to trusted contacts or delete the account completely.
Google’s online policy also states that the company may work with close family members to close the account of a deceased loved one and/or provide some account content without sharing login credentials, on a case-by-case basis.
Google asks users to provide and update a recovery email for their account, also useful for sending inactive account alerts and other communications.
In conclusion, if you have an inactive Google account that you want to keep, make sure to log in before the end of this week. Additionally, consider using the Inactive Account Manager and Google Takeout to manage and back up your data. It’s vital to stay informed about these policies to ensure the security and preservation of your digital assets.
