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Google has announced an update to its inactive account policy, aiming to enhance security for its users. Starting later this year, Google Accounts that remain inactive for at least 2 years will be subject to deletion, including their contents across Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar) and Google Photos.

Key Changes

The new policy targets personal Google Accounts, leaving organizational accounts unaffected. This change aligns Google's policy with industry standards regarding data retention and account deletion. Google will begin deleting inactive accounts in December 2023, starting with accounts that were created and never used again. Multiple notifications will be sent to both the account email address and the recovery email address before any deletion occurs.

Keeping Your Account Active

To avoid account deletion, users can keep their Google Account active by signing in at least once every 2 years. Activities that count towards keeping an account active include reading or sending emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, using Google Search, and signing in to third-party apps or services with Google. Having an active subscription through Google Account, such as Google One, also keeps the account active.

Managing Your Account

Google encourages users to maintain up-to-date recovery email addresses in their account settings. Tools like Google Takeout allow users to export their data, and Inactive Account Manager enables users to decide what happens to their account and data when it becomes inactive, including sending files to trusted contacts, applying a Gmail autoresponder, or deleting the account entirely.

Benefits and Considerations

This update is designed to improve account security by reducing the risk associated with forgotten or unattended accounts, which are more likely to be compromised due to old or reused passwords and lack of two-factor authentication. Users are advised to review their account settings and activity to ensure their accounts remain active and secure.