Google has recently introduced an update to its policies, set to take effect on December 1, 2023. Under this new policy, Deleting Inactive Millions of Gmail Accounts for at least two years. This change is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance user security and reduce the associated risks of maintaining unused accounts.
The Reason Behind Google’s Move:
Google emphasizes that inactive accounts are more susceptible to compromise due to the lack of active use or monitoring. Users of these accounts are more likely to employ old or reused passwords, making them easy targets for hackers. Google’s internal analysis reveals that inactive accounts are 10 times less likely to have two-factor authentication enabled, further exposing them to potential security breaches.
Cybersecurity Risks and Identity Theft
Deleting Inactive Millions of Gmail Accounts is driven by concerns about cybersecurity risks. Forgotten or neglected accounts often rely on outdated passwords, making them vulnerable to cybercrimes such as identity theft. Inactive accounts, lacking regular security checks and two-factor authentication, may even become tools for more malicious activities.
Protecting Your Account: Actions to Keep it Safe
To ensure your Google Account is not deleted, it’s crucial to keep it active. The new policy applies solely to personal Google Accounts and not those associated with organizations. Google will begin the deletion process in December 2023 but will send multiple notifications over several months to the account email and recovery email addresses before taking any action. This demonstrates Google’s commitment to prioritizing user privacy and security.
Steps to Safeguard Your Account: Reactivation and Preventive Measures
If your Google Account has been inactive, take action to keep it active. Reactivating it is straightforward – log in or follow the instructions in the email from Google. Google suggests specific activities to maintain account activity, such as sending emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, and more. Additionally, Google will consider active subscriptions linked to an account, preventing accounts with ongoing subscriptions from being deleted.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Google’s decision to delete inactive accounts stems from a commitment to user security. The company acknowledges the increased vulnerability of inactive accounts and aims to protect users from potential security threats. Users are encouraged to keep their accounts active by engaging in various activities and should rest assured that Google will provide ample notifications before taking any action, reinforcing its dedication to user privacy and security.
