Just like Twitter, Google has announced that it would begin deleting inactive personal user accounts starting from December 2023. The decision is part of the tech giant’s efforts to bolster security measures across its vast user base, according to a blog post shared by the company.
The new policy marks a significant shift from Google’s 2020 policy that only removed content from inactive accounts. Now, the entire account, including all associated data and content, is at risk of deletion. It’s worth noting, however, that the policy change does not apply to Google accounts associated with organizations like schools or businesses. Moreover, Google has confirmed that it is not planning to delete accounts that host YouTube videos.
A Phased Approach to Account Deletion
Google has indicated it will adopt a “phased approach” to this significant update. The initial focus will be on deleting accounts that were created and never used again. The company has emphasised that it intends to implement this policy change gradually, indicating a sensitivity to the potential disruption such a move could cause to its billions of users worldwide.
Notification Process Prior to Deletion
To mitigate potential user concerns, Google has outlined a robust communication plan leading up to the deletion of inactive accounts. Users will receive multiple notifications over the months preceding the deletion, sent to both the account email address and any recovery email address provided.
Effect on Google Workspace, YouTube, and Google Photos
Google’s announcement also clarified that the deletion process would encompass content stored in Google Workspace, YouTube, and Google Photos, further underlining the comprehensive nature of this policy change.
Criteria for Maintaining Active Status
Google has provided clear criteria for maintaining an active account status. Any of the following actions would suffice: reading or sending an email, using Google Drive, watching a YouTube video, downloading an app from the Google Play Store, signing into a third-party app or service with a Google account, or conducting a Google search while signed in.
Despite this, there is uncertainty surrounding certain use cases, such as email-forwarding aliases. Google suggests that maintaining a subscription to a service like Google One could be one way to maintain activity for these types of accounts.
Security Concerns Driving Policy Change
The decision to remove inactive accounts is rooted in Google’s desire to enhance security. The company’s internal analysis has revealed that inactive accounts are at least ten times less likely than active accounts to have two-step verification enabled. Consequently, these accounts are particularly vulnerable to compromise and could potentially be used for malicious activities, including identity theft or spam.
As we move towards the implementation date, it would be wise for users to review their accounts and ensure they meet the activity requirements outlined by Google. This update underscores the growing importance of digital security in our increasingly interconnected world.
