Have a google account that you haven't used in a long time? Sign in before the end of the week if you want to protect it from disappearing. Google's revised inactive account policy, introduced in May, allows for the deletion of accounts that haven't been used in at least two years. Accounts that are deemed inactive may be deleted beginning Friday.
If you have an "inactive" account that is about to be deleted, google should notify you via the email address associated with that account and its recovery address (if one exists). But, if you're still learning about this new policy and want to be sure your work on google Drive, Docs, Gmail, and other services is safe, here's what you need to know.
WHY IS google DELETING INACTIVE ACCOUNTS?
If you have an "inactive" account that is about to be deleted, google should notify you via the email address associated with that account and its recovery address (if one exists). But, if you're still learning about this new policy and want to be sure your work on google Drive, Docs, Gmail, and other services is safe, here's what you need to know.
WHY IS google DELETING INACTIVE ACCOUNTS?
Google attributed its dormant account upgrade to security concerns in its May statement. Accounts that haven't been used in a long time are more likely to be compromised, according to the business, noting that "forgotten or unattended accounts" generally have obsolete passwords, lack two-factor authentication, and undergo fewer security checks. As a result, these accounts might be compromised and used to send spam or other harmful information, as well as to steal identities.
HOW CAN I PREVENT MY ACCOUNT FROM BEING DELETED?
Signing in at least once every two years is the simplest method to keep your google account active (and hence prevent it from being terminated).
Other activities that meet account activity criteria include sending or browsing through emails, utilizing google search, and viewing YouTube videos (all while signing into your google account). Existing subscriptions linked to your google account, as well as accounts for third-party applications and publications, may also be used to track activity.
A special sign-in is required to save anything on google Photos. As previously reported by google, photo material may be similarly destroyed after two years of inactivity, implying that you should access the app on a regular basis to protect photographs from being deleted.
ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY?
Other activities that meet account activity criteria include sending or browsing through emails, utilizing google search, and viewing YouTube videos (all while signing into your google account). Existing subscriptions linked to your google account, as well as accounts for third-party applications and publications, may also be used to track activity.
A special sign-in is required to save anything on google Photos. As previously reported by google, photo material may be similarly destroyed after two years of inactivity, implying that you should access the app on a regular basis to protect photographs from being deleted.
ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY?
Only personal google accounts that have not been used in the last two years will be affected by this inactive account upgrade. google states that accounts created for organizations such as schools or businesses will be unaffected.
Other exclusions, according to Google's online policy, include google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts that hold a gift card balance, and accounts that have been used to purchase continuing google goods, applications, or subscriptions.
Google also stated in May that there were no intentions to deactivate accounts containing YouTube content. The Associated press contacted google on monday to ensure that this is still the situation.
Other exclusions, according to Google's online policy, include google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts that hold a gift card balance, and accounts that have been used to purchase continuing google goods, applications, or subscriptions.
Google also stated in May that there were no intentions to deactivate accounts containing YouTube content. The Associated press contacted google on monday to ensure that this is still the situation.