Under Google's new policy update in May 2023, the company said it will delete Gmail accounts that have not been used for at least two years. The Gmail purge will be phased in, not all at once, starting December 1.
If your Gmail account is at risk of being deleted, you'll receive multiple notifications from Google to the email associated with that account. If you want to make sure your content on Google Drive, Docs, Gmail, and more is preserved, here's what you need to know.
Why does Google delete inactive Gmail accounts?
In an announcement in May 2023, Google said the decision was to enhance security. Accounts that have been inactive for a long time are more likely to be hacked.
Additionally, they often use old passwords, lack two-factor authentication, and are less secure, making them vulnerable to attack and exploitation for spam, other malicious purposes, or identity theft.
How to stop Google from deleting old Gmail
The easiest way to keep your Gmail account is to log in at least once every two years. Other actions include sending emails, reading emails, using Google searches, and watching YouTube while logged in.
Paid subscriptions installed with your Google account, including third-party apps or news publications, also count as active.
Protecting your content in Google Photos takes a little more work. As Google has previously announced, content in Photos may be deleted after two years of inactivity, which means you'll need to open the app more often to avoid having your photos deleted.
Exceptions
Only personal Google accounts that have not been used for 2 years or more are affected. Accounts for organizations such as schools and businesses are exempt.
Additionally, there are Google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts that contain gift cards, and accounts used to purchase Google products, apps, or subscriptions.
A Google spokesperson confirmed that the company has no plans to delete the account used to post YouTube videos .
How to save data from Google account
In addition to keeping your Google account active, you can use a number of tools to manage and back up your data. For example, Google Takeout lets users download and export their account data outside of Google at any time.
The Inactive Account Manager tool lets you choose what happens to your account and data if it becomes inactive, including options to send specific files to trusted contacts or permanently delete your account.
Google's policy also says the company may work with family members to close a deceased family member's account and/or provide some content associated with that account without sharing login information.
Google recommends that users provide and update their account recovery email to send notifications.
(According to CBS News)
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