Google to delete accounts - If inactive for two years | May 16,2023
Channel: Hacking Space Frontier
Date: 2023-05-16

Google announced its plan to delete inactive accounts that have been unused for two years as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance security measures for its large user base. The account deletion process, starting in December of this year, will also involve removing content stored in Google Workspace, YouTube, and Google Photos. Prior to deletion, Google will send multiple notifications to users, beginning with those who created accounts but never used them. However, business and school accounts will not be affected by this new inactivity policy.

To maintain an active account, minimal activity is required, such as reading or sending emails, using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, signing in to third-party apps or services using a Google account, or conducting Google searches while signed in.

Google's decision to delete dormant accounts aims to address security concerns, as abandoned accounts are found to be significantly less likely to have two-step verification set up. Such accounts can be vulnerable to compromise, leading to potential risks like identity theft or the dissemination of unwanted or malicious content.

While Google did not specify its plans for the usernames associated with deleted dormant accounts, its move follows Twitter CEO Elon Musk's recent announcement regarding the purging of inactive accounts and the recycling of usernames.