Google is deleting accounts that have not been used for two years, which is not good for users.
Google sent a reminder to its users that starting in December 2023, it will start deleting accounts that have been inactive for more than two years. The change has prompted some users who fear losing their data or access to services like YouTube.
Google said the new policy aims to improve security and prevent attackers from taking over abandoned accounts. However, according to a report by CNBC, some users are not convinced by this explanation and have criticized Google for being imprecise, aggressive and mistrustful.
Sabrina Meherally, CEO of Canadian design firm Pause and Effect, wrote in a LinkedIn post that she received an email with the vague subject line “Google Account Non-Use Policy Update.” He said he could have simply ignored or deleted the email and suggested that Google use a banner in its search engine to alert users.
Google said it will notify users multiple times before deleting their accounts and give them the option to keep their accounts active or download their data. The policy does not apply to schools or businesses that use Google Accounts or pay subscribers for services such as additional storage. In its blog, Google said that 80 percent of account holders will have the standard 15GB for at least three years.
While Google has stated its reasons for deleting inactive accounts, the real motive may have to do with the company’s focus on efficiency during the economic downturn. Google is one of many companies that have laid off thousands of workers to cut costs. Accounts that use less than 15GB of storage will charge Google, and the company appears to be freeing up its servers.
If you have an inactive account that you prefer to keep, you only need to log in once every two years.