Technology giant Google has announced that it will soon begin deleting inactive Google accounts that have not been used for at least 2 years. The move is part of an update to Google’s inactivity policy aimed at enhancing security measures. However, the change has sparked some criticism from users concerned about losing access to old data and content. As the account deletion gets underway this week, here is everything you need to know about Google’s inactive account purge.
When Will Accounts Start Being Deleted?
Google stated in a blog post earlier this year that the inactive account deletions would be phased in, beginning at some point in 2022. According to recent updates, the purge of abandoned accounts is scheduled to commence on December 1st.
Over the coming months, Google will systematically comb through accounts that have gone unused for 2 years or longer. If no activity is detected on those accounts during that period, Google will permanently erase the accounts along with their associated data.
What Activities Qualify As Active Use?
The good news is that it doesn’t take much to keep a Google account active and prevent it from being wiped out. Logging into the account just once every 2 years is sufficient.
But beyond signing in, Google has clarified other actions that constitute account activity:
- Checking, sending, or reading Gmail messages
- Creating new documents, spreadsheets, sites, or presentations in Google Drive
- Uploading or accessing content in Google Photos
- Watching YouTube videos while signed into your Google account
- Conducting Google searches while logged into your account
- Having subscriptions linked to your Google account
As long as you perform one or more of those activities at least once every 2 years, your account should remain intact. Periodic sessions scrolling through Gmail or perusing your Google Photos library should do the trick.
Why Is Google Deleting Inactive Accounts?
Google says its aim with this updated inactivity policy is to enhance security, especially around compromised or hijacked accounts. The company stated that accounts left abandoned for long periods tend to use outdated passwords previously breached in security attacks. Often they also lack secondary login protections like two-factor authentication.
As a result, neglected accounts run a greater risk of being infiltrated and used for inappropriate or illegal ends – such as identity theft or the spread of malware. By eliminating accounts that have sat untouched for years on end, Google hopes to reduce potential vulnerabilities open to exploitation.
What About YouTube Content and Deceased User Accounts?
Two concerns emerged around Google’s plan to erase inactive accounts. The first related to users’ old YouTube videos getting deleted if associated accounts get purged. However, Google has confirmed that no YouTube videos will be removed as part of its data cleanup efforts.
The second issue involved accounts of deceased individuals, with loved ones worried about losing access to those accounts. Google does provide account management tools allowing authorized users to gain access to a deceased person’s account data. The company also offers an Inactive Account Manager where users can specify what should happen to their account if it goes dormant.
In a statement, a Google spokesperson indicated that the company handles requests regarding deceased users’ accounts on a case-by-case basis. But users are encouraged to proactively set up account recovery options for family members to ensure account data can still be retrieved.
How To Download Your Data As A Precaution
While periodic logins should fend off account removal, some users understandably want a backup of their data regardless. Fortunately, Google offers a simple solution.
Using Google Takeout, account holders can download copies of the data associated with their account – including emails, Drive files, photos, and more. The exported data can then be stored independently as a precaution.
Takeout also allows users to configure automatic, periodic backups of their account data. So even once-a-year users can rest assured knowing they have access to their information without having to constantly log in and out.
For Peace Of Mind, Set Recovery Options For Your Account
As Google initiates its long-planned account purge this week, following a few best practices can keep your data safe. Along with periodic logins, be sure to configure backup contacts and recovery options in your account settings.
Add or confirm a recovery email address stored in your profile. Provide trusted contacts authorization to access account data if you yourself become unexpectedly locked out down the road.
While the cleanup of abandoned accounts makes sense from a security standpoint, Google’s policy shift serves as a sobering reminder that our digital footprints may not last forever. Even prolific online entities like Gmail and Google Drive won’t store data indefinitely if accounts sit ignored for too long.
So revisiting your Google account once in awhile can prevent losing access to information that may feel permanent but actually has an expiration date. Staying actively engaged with our online accounts is key to preserving our digital histories.
