Why is Google deleting accounts?
Google's updated policy aims to remove inactive accounts to mitigate security risks, citing older accounts' vulnerability to hacking and phishing due to outdated security measures.
When will Google start deleting inactive accounts?
While the updated policy is in effect, the deletion of inactive accounts will commence on December 1.
What all Google accounts will be affected by this?
Personal Google accounts fall under the deletion policy. Accounts created for work, school, or organization purposes are exempt.
What will Google erase alongside the account?
Google's deletion process includes removing all associated data across Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar) and Google Photos.
How will users know if their Google account will be deleted?
Google plans a phased notification approach, sending multiple alerts to the account email and recovery email, if provided, before initiating deletion.
How does Google deem an account inactive?
An account is marked inactive if there's been no activity for two years.
How to save your account from deletion?
Users can prevent deletion by signing into their account or any Google service once every two years, engaging in even minimal activity like reading an email or conducting a search.
Exceptions to the account deletion policy?
Active use in purchasing Google products/services, managing ongoing subscriptions, involvement in Google Play transactions, supervising minor accounts via Family Link, or acquiring digital items.
What was the previous inactive account policy?
In 2020, Google's policy focused on content removal from unused accounts but didn't delete the accounts themselves, marking a less stringent approach compared to the current deletion policy.