Google to delete old accounts starting next month

Google is set to delete millions of Gmail, Drive, and Photo accounts starting next month. This action is being taken as a security measure to protect the accounts, as explained in a blog post by Ruth Kricheli, Google’s VP of Product Management.
Kricheli emphasized that accounts that have been inactive for an extended period of time are more susceptible to compromise. This is because these forgotten or neglected accounts often rely on outdated or reused passwords that may have already been compromised. Additionally, they may not have two-factor authentication enabled and receive fewer security checks from the user. Consequently, these accounts become vulnerable to various risks, such as identity theft or becoming a platform for unwanted or malicious content like spam.
Beginning in April, Google will delete Google Accounts that have been inactive for two years. This includes all contents within Google Workspace, such as Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, and Google Photos. It’s important to note that this policy only applies to personal Google Accounts and does not impact accounts associated with organizations like schools or businesses.
To ensure that your account remains active, we will be implementing a phased approach to deletions. We will start by deleting accounts that have been created but never used again. As an account holder, you will receive multiple notifications to the email address associated with your account.
If you want to keep your account active, the easiest way is to sign in at least once every two years. By signing into your Google account, you are considered active and your account will not be deleted. Activities that count as being active include:
⦁ Reading or sending an email
⦁ Using Google Drive
⦁ Watching a YouTube video
⦁ Downloading an app from the Google Play Store
⦁ Using Google Search
⦁ Using “Sign in with Google” to sign into a third-party app or service
Additionally, anyone with an existing subscription set up through your Google Account will also be considered to have an active account.