Google Warns Users That Accounts Will Be Deleted If Not Actively Used
Google recently emailed its users to remind them to check the company’s “account inactivity policy,” which allows Google to delete an “inactive” Google Account if it remains inactive for two years.
Google first announced in May that it would begin cleaning up inactive accounts in December, and now that that time is approaching, Google is starting to remind users of what can happen. That’s why, according to Google, any inactive accounts that haven’t been used in the last two years can be deleted starting December 1st.
The search giant also said it’s taking steps to make sure users know their account is inactive and what’s happening to it, sending them email notifications to their Google Accounts and even returning them to their email address, giving them “an opportunity to take action.”
Keeping your Google account active
In order to keep your Google account active, Google notes that you must perform one of the following actions:
- Reading or sending an email.
- Using Google Drive.
- Watching a YouTube video.
- Sharing a photo.
- Downloading an app.
- Using Google Search.
- Using the Sign in with Google feature to sign in to a third-party application or service.
Which required a policy change
Google says this change is a priority for security reasons and to keep users safe. “We want to protect your private information and prevent unauthorized access to your account, even if you no longer use our services,” Google said in an email to users.
Accounts containing YouTube videos will not be deleted
There are some exceptions to this policy, one of which is downloading YouTube videos from your Google Account. There are other exceptions, such as gift card balance in your account, accounts with digital purchases, Google accounts with publicly released apps, and if that account is managed by a minor.
