Google could delete your Gmail account from December 1 as new policy takes effect
Here's how to know if you're at risk of losing your Google accounts and what you can do to keep them.
Google introduced its updated inactivity policy on Friday, August 4th, and emphasized the forthcoming December 1st deadline when it would initiate the deletion of accounts that exhibit no activity.
According to the announcement from the tech company, the inactivity duration for Google accounts has been extended to two years across all their offerings, encompassing services such as Gmail.
An account is considered inactive if the user hasn't logged into it within two years, it clarified.
Emphasizing the deadline, Google said:
"An inactive account and any content in it will be eligible for deletion from December 1, 2023."
Once deleted, a Gmail address cannot be used again for a new account, it added. The platform, however, clarified that users will be notified multiple times before an email is wiped out.
"If your account is considered inactive, we will send several reminder emails to both you and your recovery emails (if any have been provided) before we take any action or delete any account content,"
it said.
"These reminder emails will go out at least 8 months before any action is taken on your account."
Will YouTube accounts be deleted, too?
Since YouTube is owned by Google, some users wondered whether accounts on the popular video-sharing platform are covered by the policy.
Google said accounts "with YouTube channels, videos or comments" are exempted from the policy. Other exceptions include those that are connected with a loaded gift card or an account that has a published application.
How to keep your account active
Google listed some simple ways that can help users keep their accounts active:
- Reading or sending an e-mail
- Using Google Drive
- Watching a YouTube video
- Sharing a photo
- Downloading an app
- Using Google Search
- Using Sign in with Google to sign in to a third-party app or service
News Source: Khaleej Times