Starting this week, Google will start deleting inactive Gmail, Google Photos, and other Google accounts that have remained inactive for at least two years.
Accounts that were created and never used again will be the first ones to be purged, Google has said. The mass deletion will not apply to accounts that were created via organizations such as businesses or schools.
Per Google’s online policy, other exceptions include Google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts containing a gift card balance as well as those that have been used to purchase Google products, apps, or subscriptions that are ongoing.
If an account hasn’t been for some time, it runs a higher risk of being compromised by malign actors, said Google’s post. “This is because forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, haven’t had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user,” the firm stated.
What Accounts Are Impacted?
Inactive accounts that will be subject to deletion include content with Google Workspace, including Calendar, Drive, Docs, Gmail, and Meet. In the case of Google Photos, the company said that one has to specifically log in to Google Photos to keep it active.“As previously announced, you will need to specifically sign in to Google Photos every 2 years to be considered active which will ensure your photos and other content are not deleted. Similarly, we will send multiple notifications before we take any action,” Google’s post said.
Regarding videos posted to Google-owned YouTube, the company said it doesn’t have plans to delete them—for now. “We do not have plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos at this time,” said the post.
Backup Data
Beyond keeping a Google account active, there’s a few tools to help manage and backup data.Google Takeout, for example, allows users to download and export account data outside of Google at any time. And its Inactive Account Manager lets you choose what would happen to your account and data if it becomes inactive, which includes options to send select files to trusted contacts or delete the account entirely.
Google’s online policy also states the company can work with immediate family to close the account of a deceased loved one or provide some account content—without sharing login credentials—on a case-by-case basis. Google asks users to provide and update a recovery email for their account, which is also helpful for sending inactive account notices and other communications.
No Password?
If you cannot remember the old Google account details, including its password, there is still a chance of recovering it. The Google password recovery tool may be an option, as it asks a user to answer certain questions to confirm the account.Google also advises people to check their email spam folders for a password or account recovery message from the company.
The company also noted that “Google never asks for your password or verification codes over email, phone call, or message. Only enter your password or verification codes at accounts.google.com. If you expected an email from our team but can’t find it, check your spam or junk folder for an email titled ‘Your Google support inquiry.’”
If that doesn’t work, however, Google signaled that you are out of luck. One should “consider creating a replacement Google Account” instead, the firm says on its website.