Google is moving forward with a plan to delete inactive Gmail accounts, potentially impacting millions of users. The tech giant has set new rules for accounts that haven’t been used in over two years, sparking concern among users who may have forgotten about old email addresses or accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Google will start deleting Gmail accounts that have been inactive for more than two years, beginning in December 2024.
- Accounts considered “inactive” include those not logged into or used across any Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, or YouTube for 24 months.
- Users will receive multiple warning emails before any account deletion, sent to both the Gmail account and any associated recovery email.
- To keep an account active, users must log in, read or send an email, watch a YouTube video, or perform other simple activities.
- Accounts linked to active subscriptions or purchases, such as Google Play purchases, are exempt from the deletion policy.
Key Background
Google’s policy shift, first announced in 2023, aims to improve security by reducing the number of abandoned accounts that could be compromised by hackers. According to Ruth Kricheli, Vice President of Product Management at Google, inactive accounts are ten times less likely to have two-factor authentication enabled, making them vulnerable to threats like spam and phishing scams.
Related
Big Number
Millions — The number of Google accounts potentially at risk of deletion, as the company implements its new policy targeting accounts inactive for over two years.
Crucial Quote
“If an account hasn’t been used for an extended period of time, it is more likely to be compromised,” said Ruth Kricheli, Vice President of Product Management at Google.
Tangent
This policy follows similar moves by other tech giants looking to enhance user security and clear out dormant accounts. With users increasingly managing multiple digital accounts, the push to delete inactive ones is part of a broader effort to safeguard personal data against evolving online threats.
