Inactive Google Accounts to Be Deleted to Enhance Security

In a bold move to strengthen online security, Google is all set to execute its plan to delete accounts that have been inactive for more than two years.

With this decision, the tech giant aims to mitigate potential security risks linked to unused accounts while strengthening user information protection.

Google has already started the countdown to this significant move, as it plans to initiate the process of account deletion from December 1 onwards.

Currently, the company is rolling out a series of warning notifications to users whose accounts have been idle over the last couple of years.

Thus, the account holders would become alert about their potential chances of losing access. However, they still have an eight-month window, which is adequate to prevent their data from being lost forever.

Google Concerned With Data Security in Inactive Accounts

Google's reason behind this decision is largely related to concerns over data security in inactive accounts. According to its internal analysis, dormant accounts mostly rely on recycled passwords unless they use a password manager.

Chances are thin that these accounts have robust security measures like two-step verification.

This exposes dormant accounts to a wide range of online threats. Therefore, account holders who haven't used them in the last couple of years are exposed to hacking, phishing attacks, and spam infiltration.

We want to protect your private information and prevent any unauthorized access to your account even if you're no longer using our services.Google

Google had initially announced this security policy in May as a proactive measure to strengthen user privacy. The tech giant has been aggressive in thwarting unauthorized access to accounts.

Even when the account holders have stopped using Google's services actively, the company seems to be concerned about their data security.

This policy update from Google emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding private information. In the digital landscape, it's imperative to prioritize data security and privacy, which defines Google's responsible approach to the data handling of its users.

Preventing Your Account From Being Deleted

Although Google announced its account deletion policy, the company has agreed to consider certain exceptions.

Even reading an email, searching for something, or watching a video is enough to preserve the digital presence of the Google account.

Accounts exempted from deletion include those associated with active YouTube channels, accounts required to maintain live apps on platforms like Google Play store, the ones holding residual balances on gift cards, and accounts associated with the purchase of digital assets like movies and books.

To prevent dormant Google accounts from being deleted, users need to log in and interact with the account or any of the Google services at least once in two years.

This new stance from Google marks its departure from its previous policy announced in 2020. Back then, the company declared that the content in dormant accounts would be cleared, but the accounts would be retained.

However, at a time when digital security is of paramount importance, Google's shift in its user policy reflects its evolving commitment to ensure data integrity.

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