With the growing prevalence of scams (spyware, fake QR codes and cookies, and the risks associated with charging your phone in public), there are many ways to fall victim to online threats these days and when it comes to cybersecurity, we often overlook the potential dangers posed by our abandoned email accounts — which may have been created for specific purposes such as managing fundraisers or facilitating the sale of properties.
However, Google has warned users that these inactive accounts can pose risks to themselves and others: inactive email accounts are more vulnerable to security breaches, including phishing attacks and unauthorized access to accounts. Therefore, Google has implemented a new policy to delete inactive accounts for 2 years or more.
The good news is that you can easily prevent your inactive accounts and their associated data from being deleted. Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s recent policy.
Google has implemented a new policy to delete accounts that have been inactive for 2 years or more. (Image: “Gmail on laptop in the dark” by Image Catalog)
When does the removal process begin?
Although Google’s policy went into effect on May 16, 2023, the actual removal process will not begin until December 2023 as soon as possible. Google will implement the deletion in phases, starting with accounts that were created but never used. The company will send multiple email notifications to the inactive account itself and the associated recovery email, if applicable.
The actual removal process won’t begin until December 2023. (Image: ‘gmail google email’ by stockcatalog)
Data concerned by the deletion
Many people rely on their email accounts as a form of backup storage, assuming their data will always be accessible. Therefore, it is crucial to protect any inactive Google account that you have used to store files. If the account is deleted, all associated content will be permanently lostincluding Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, etc.) and Google Photos.
Protect your GMail account against deletion
If you have a Google Account that you intentionally didn’t use or maybe forgot about but want to keep, there are steps you can take to make sure it won’t be deleted:
1. Read or send an e-mail.
2. Use Google Drive.
3. Watch a YouTube video.
4. Download an app from the Google Play Store.
5. Do a search using Google.
6. Use the “Sign in with Google” function to sign in to third-party applications or services.
It is crucial to perform these activities to maintain both the accessibility and security of your Gmail account before the deletion process begins.
Deposit . Learn more about GMail and Google.
