Inactive Google accounts about to be deleted ..!

Google recently announced its initiative to clear out inactive personal accounts, targeting those left dormant for two years or more. If you possess an old Gmail or Google account that's been untouched for an extended period, it's crucial to log in promptly to prevent its impending deletion. This includes associated services like Google Docs, Drive, Calendar, and Photos, which will also be affected by the purge.

1. Scheduled Deletion and Notifications

The plan to remove these inactive profiles was disclosed in May, with the deletion process set to commence in December. Accounts created but never used will be the first to face deletion. Google assures users that before an account is deleted, multiple warnings will be issued over several months. These warnings will be sent to the registered email address and any recovery email provided.

2. Preventing Deletion: Steps to Take

To safeguard your Google account from deletion, it's essential to log in at least once every two years. Any recent activity on the account or connected services is considered active and ensures its retention. Engaging in various activities such as reading or sending emails, using Drive or YouTube, downloading an Android app, conducting web searches, signing into linked third-party apps, or having a paid subscription like Google One or a news site through your account all qualify as activity.

Google also offers an Inactive Account Manager, allowing users to determine what happens to their account and files in case of 18 months of inactivity. This feature enables actions like auto-forwarding content to a trusted account, setting up an auto-reply, or immediate deletion of all data.

Moreover, an intriguing workaround to prevent deletion is uploading a video on YouTube, which reportedly secures the account even if it remains inactive. Such accounts seem to be safe from deletion for the time being.

3. Purpose Behind the Account Purge

Google's decision to purge inactive accounts is primarily driven by security concerns. According to the company's official blog post from May, inactive accounts are more susceptible to hackers. These forgotten accounts often use outdated or recycled passwords, lack two-factor authentication setup, and receive fewer security checks from their owners.

Internal analysis by Google revealed that abandoned accounts are at least 10 times less likely to have additional login protections compared to actively used ones. This makes them prime targets for identity theft, spamming, and other malicious activities.

It's essential to note that this digital housekeeping initiative applies only to personal accounts and not those associated with organizations such as schools or businesses.

In conclusion, taking proactive measures to keep your Google account active and secure is crucial in light of these upcoming deletions. By staying engaged or utilizing Google's provided tools, users can ensure the safety and retention of their accounts and associated services.