. Now we know the exact start date of this operation. The big “cleaning” will begin on December 1, 2023, in less than a month. As part of the operation, accounts that have not shown any activity for the last two years will be deleted.
Google has started sending inactive users emails and alerts letting them know exactly when their accounts will be deleted. The problem is that if someone hasn’t used a Google account for a long time, they probably haven’t logged in to their Gmail either – so they may not find out about its deletion.
People who have two Google accounts, including one active one, are in a better situation. Then, an alert about the risk of deleting an inactive account will also be sent to the account we use on a daily basis.
How to avoid deleting your Google account?
Fortunately, saving your account is not particularly difficult. All we need to do is log in to Gmail or another Google service – e.g. share a photo via Google Photos, use the Google search engine (when the account is logged in), download an application or watch a video on YouTube.
Importantly, if we use an Android smartphone on a daily basis, the company will not delete the Google account associated with this device, even if we have not logged in to the company’s services for a long time. The mere use of Android is already a signal to Google that our account is still active.
Google will also not delete an inactive account when:
- Your account was used to purchase a product, service app, or subscription from Google that is current and ongoing.
- Your Google account comes with a gift card with a cash balance.
- Your account has an app or game with an active subscription or active financial transactions associated with it.
Why does Google delete accounts?
The company explains that inactive accounts are more vulnerable to hacker attacks and possible takeover by cybercriminals. The second reason for removing them is more practical and prosaic: this way, Google can regain priceless space on its servers.
What data will be deleted by Google?
As part of the account “cleaning” operation, the Mountain View company will remove:
- Gmail email address and inbox contents
- all files located in the Google Drive application
- Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
- Google Photos
- Calendar content
However, all videos posted on YouTube are safe. Google will not delete them, even if they are associated with a now inactive Google account.
Source: Gazeta
Mabel is a talented author and journalist with a passion for all things technology. As an experienced writer for the 247 News Agency, she has established a reputation for her in-depth reporting and expert analysis on the latest developments in the tech industry.
