Google to Purge Inactive Gmail Accounts
Starting December 1, 2023, Google plans to remove inactive Gmail accounts. This decision applies to accounts that have not been used for the last two years and includes all related information, including contacts, photos, drive files, emails, and more.
The decision to remove dormant accounts was made because older accounts are more susceptible to intrusions.
Google internal data indicates that compared to active accounts, inactive accounts are 10 times less likely to have two-factor authentication activated. Due to a lack of security measures, hacking efforts are more likely to target older accounts.
Furthermore, any third-party services connected to a dormant Gmail account might potentially be compromised. Google has decided to delete accounts that have been inactive for two years to allay these worries and safeguard user information.
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Not every dormant account will be deleted right away, though. Starting in December 2023, Google will start deleting accounts gradually and in tiny batches. Users have time to reactivate their accounts if they still want to use them thanks to this staged method.
All connected information, including emails, Drive files, documents, meetings, and other items, will be completely erased from an account once it is destroyed. Users cannot retrieve their data as a result of this irreversible operation.
Users just need to log into their Gmail accounts at least once every two years to keep them from being erased. Their accounts won't be deleted as long as they maintain this minimal activity.
Some ways to use to keep your Gmail active and avoid deletion
In addition to frequent sign-ins, users can engage in a range of activities to keep their accounts active and prevent deletion.
- Making Use of Google Drive
- observing films on YouTube
- Obtaining applications through the Google Play Store
- Conducting Google Lookups
- Using Google Sign-in to access third-party applications or services
It's vital to remember that Google does not presently have any intentions to remove dormant YouTube video accounts. This implies that Google won't erase an inactive account that has a public video on it and is associated with YouTube. The business may, however, modify this policy in the future.