Google is set to implement a significant policy change, targeting accounts that have remained inactive for an extended period. According to the company’s recent announcement, any Google Account that has not been used to access any Google service for a duration exceeding two years will now face potential deletion.

Extended Deadline for Account Removal

Starting from December 1, 2023, Google will begin the process of potentially deleting inactive accounts along with their contents. This alteration comes as part of Google’s efforts to streamline account management and ensure data privacy.

Impact on Inactive Users

This new policy will primarily affect users who have not engaged with any Google services for an extended period, specifically two years or more. For those who actively use their accounts, there will be no immediate impact or changes.

Google’s Warning Email Communication

To notify its users about this forthcoming change, Google has initiated a communication campaign. Users received emails on a recent Saturday, informing them about the impending update regarding account inactivity.

Reminder System for Account Holders

Before taking any action, Google has implemented a proactive approach. Users with inactive accounts will receive a series of reminder emails. These reminders will be sent both to the users themselves and to their designated recovery email addresses. This notification process will provide users with at least an 8-month notice before any potential action, such as content deletion or account termination, is executed.

Address Reclamation Limitation

A key point to remember is that once a Google Account is deleted, any associated Gmail address cannot be reclaimed or reused for creating a new account. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining activity within an account.

Ensuring Account Continuity

To ensure the longevity of an account’s active status and avoid potential deletion, Google recommends that users log in at least once every two years. This straightforward practice can help users retain access to their accounts and associated data.

Source: Businesstoday