Google will start deleting inactive accounts after two years

The global tech giant Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., has announced that it will start removing accounts that have been dormant for two years

August 6, 2023 Samson Ayodeji

The global technology corporation Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., has announced that it will start removing accounts that have been dormant for two years. Google reportedly stated in an email that the amended policy is now in effect.

As on December 1, 2023, any account that fits the “inactive” description will be eligible for deletion. Along with the account, its contents will also be deleted. The business said that it is taking these steps to safeguard users’ information even after they cease utilizing its numerous services. The owner of a Google account has access to services like Gmail, YouTube, Drive, Docs, and more.

Google considers an account inactive if it hasn’t been accessed or utilized for two years. The business also provided some details about what it means by “active” accounts. Some of the behaviors Google anticipates from active users include reading and writing emails, using Google Drive, viewing YouTube videos, sharing photos, downloading apps, and using its search engine.

The business added that it tracks activity based on accounts rather than devices. Therefore, carrying out any of the aforementioned acts would prevent the deletion of an account if it is signed into on numerous devices.

It’s important to remember that this policy has a few exceptions. It will be quite helpful for folks who are unsure about whether their inactive account is ultimately eligible for deletion to know what they are.

A user’s account is still considered active if it was used to pay for a Google service, goods, in-app purchase, or continuous subscription. Even if the user hasn’t been in for two years, the account won’t be canceled if it’s connected to a gift card that contains money.

The account will be kept if it is connected to a PlayStore-published game or application with ongoing active subscriptions or active transactions. Users won’t have their accounts terminated if they use Google Family Link to oversee active minor accounts.

Additionally, this ban will not apply to anyone whose accounts have been used to purchase digital goods like books or movies.

Google will alert holders of inactive accounts in advance

Despite the fact that the policy took effect today, the firm stated that inactive account cancellation would start on December 1, 2023. Prior to that, it noted that users will be able to take the appropriate action.

It plans to do this by sending reminder emails to the specified account. Google said it will also send notifications to the account’s recovery email if one exists. The quantity of reminders that would be sent is not specified.

Users should be aware that they can always delete their accounts. There is a way to restore the account if the deletion was a mistake. Additionally, they have the ability to download and export data from services like Photos and YouTube. Google enables users to temporarily suspend their accounts during extended periods of inactivity, such as jail sentences or religious trips.

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Samson Ayodeji

I am literally obsessed with technology. I love writing about the latest news in technology in different markets, segments and sectors across the world.

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