Google Will Delete Inactive Accounts

Did you know Google plans to remove all inactive accounts this year? 

Yes! If you have a Google account that has been lying idle for two years or more will be removed. 

Do you want to learn more about Google’s policy change? Allow us to help you understand all the intricacies involved. 

Key Highlights:

Google Policy Update

The policy change clarifies that Google accounts that haven’t been signed in or used for the last two years will be deleted. 

It means that Google retains the power to remove any inactive account, as well as its content, including Google Photos, Gmail, Meet, YouTube, Calendar, Drive, and Docs. 

Now don’t shift into panic mode yet because Google wouldn’t be removing accounts until December 2023. 

So, you have time to keep your accounts from getting deleted by starting to use them to take them off Google’s radar. 

Plus, Google will first delete accounts that were created but have never been seen as engaging in an online activity. 

Moreover, Google claims that both the main account and the recovery email address would receive multiple notices before any action is taken. 

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Will Google Delete Business Accounts?

Fortunately, inactive Google account policy is restricted to personal accounts, which means businesses will remain unaffected. 

However, this doesn’t mean organizations and corporate ventures should rest soundly. Why not?

Typically, marketers set up Google accounts to pair them with third-party tools to use them for business needs. Does every marketer sign up for a business account? 

Certainly not, and that’s how this policy change targets businesses. 

How Can Businesses Stay Ahead?

Now, that’s a million-dollar question! But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. First off, marketers need to take prompt action to get everything organized. Leave no stone unturned. Make a sheet containing all the credentials of Google accounts you utilize for third-party apps, software, and tools. In addition to this, write down the recovery emails of each shared Google account. 

Most importantly, you have to set up two-factor authentication by logging in to your Google accounts. Don’t forget to ensure all account settings are updated. 

Here’s how these steps would prove helpful for you in the short and long run; 

• Storing information in a single place keeps you organized and stress-free. 
• It makes sharing information with your team and supervisors easier. 
• You wouldn’t have to set up new accounts in the future to use more apps. 
• Google would recognize your accounts as valuable and active. 

Businesses solely operate to generate a profit. Such policy changes can end up affecting your turnover if you don’t prepare for it at the right time. 

Which Google Accounts Are Considered Active?

Google accounts engaging in the following actions are considered active; 

• Regularly using Google Drive 
• Watching videos on YouTube
• Reading/Sending emails via Gmail
• Downloading an app via Google Play Store 
• Searching Google with a logged-in account 
• Connecting Google account with other third-party apps 

How many times do we sync our Google account with another tool or app? Often! 

Do you think your Google account is active enough now that you have the complete information? 

Why is Google Deleting Accounts? 

Online security threats! Even though Google utilizes all monetary and non-monetary resources to protect its users from phishing scams and inadequate account exposure, foolproof security is not promised. 

Inactive accounts are exceedingly vulnerable to scams and hacks. Furthermore, Google states the security of such accounts is likely to be compromised if the user is using old or the same passwords for multiple profiles. 

Accounts could also be exposed if two-factor authentication is not set up and the owner fails to get all the security checks in place. Google’s policy update is to maintain user privacy and security without putting them in a vulnerable position. 

Of course, eliminating personal accounts also keeps Google from retaining user information, strengthening their security further.

To sum it up, Google is about to flag and delete inactive accounts, so take action before it’s too late. 

Get your accounts active and keep all the information organized.

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