Google has announced that it will begin deleting inactive personal accounts on December 1, 2023. This includes accounts across various Google products, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Photos.
The company has proactively sent out email notifications to affected users and any accounts listed as recovery emails for those accounts. Any account that has remained inactive for two consecutive years is subject to deletion.
Activities that prevent an account from being considered inactive include logging in, checking Gmail, using Google Photos, editing Google Docs, or performing Google searches while signed in.
Google’s Vice President Ruth Kricheli explained that unused accounts pose a security risk due to factors such as weak passwords, outdated security measures, and the absence of two-factor authentication. By deleting inactive accounts, Google aims to enhance user security and reduce the potential for account compromise.
Keeping your account active
Google recommends that users sign in at least once every two years to prevent their accounts from being deleted. The company defines the following as account activity:
- Reading or sending an email
- Using Google Drive
- Watching a YouTube video
- Downloading an app from the Google Play Store
- Using Google Search
- Using “Sign in with Google” to log-in to a third-party app or service
Google’s announcement is part of its ongoing efforts to prioritize account security and privacy. It reinforces the company’s commitment to keeping users’ private information safe.
