Google announced an update to its inactive account policies. Under the new policy, Google said that it will delete accounts that have not been used or signed into for at least two years. This decision is part of Google's ongoing efforts to protect user security and reduce the risks associated with maintaining inactive accounts.


In a blog post dated May 2023, Google announced that its new inactive account policy will go into effect on December 1, 2023. All content in inactive accounts will be deleted, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, YouTube, and Google Photos. Google's updated inactive account policy marks a significant change from its previous announcement in 2020, when it stated that it would only remove content from inactive accounts, without deleting the accounts themselves.


But why Google deleting the Gmail accounts

Google is deleting its inactive accounts to protect users from security threats. The company asserts that inactive accounts are more susceptible to compromise because they are not in active use or monitoring, and users are more likely to employ old or reused passwords. "Even with these protections (security tools offered by Google), if an account hasn't been used for an extended period, it is more likely to be compromised," states Google in its blog post.


Google's internal analysis indicates that inactive accounts are 10 times less likely than active accounts to have two-factor authentication enabled, rendering them easy targets for hackers. This vulnerability arises because forgotten or neglected accounts frequently rely on old or reused passwords that may have been compromised. These accounts often lack two-factor authentication setup and receive fewer security checks from the user. This situation can lead to cybercrimes such as identity theft and may even transform these abandoned accounts into tools for more malicious activities.


How to protect your account


To safeguard your Google Account from deletion, you should note that the new policy only applies to personal Google Accounts, not to accounts associated with organizations such as schools or businesses. The policy will go into effect in December 2023, but active users of Gmail, Docs, Calendar, and Photos do not need to worry, as it only targets inactive accounts. In addition, before deleting any accounts, Google will send multiple notifications to the account email address and recovery email (if provided) over several months, demonstrating Google's commitment to protecting the privacy and security of its vast user base.


If your Google Account has been inactive for a long time, it's a good idea to take action to keep it active. To reactivate an inactive Google Account, you can log in or follow the instructions in the email from Google. Google has also listed specific things you can do to keep your account active, such as reading or sending an email, using Google Drive, watching a YouTube video, downloading an app from the Google Play Store, searching on Google, or using 'Sign in with Google' for third-party apps or services.


Also, Google will consider active subscriptions linked to a Google Account, such as Google One, a news publication, or an app, as account activity, preventing such accounts from being deleted.