Google has announced the initiation of a significant policy change that will impact dormant accounts, signaling the deletion of those that have remained inactive for a considerable duration.
Google's revamped inactive account policy, announced in May, is set to take effect this December. According to the updated policy, accounts that have been dormant for a minimum of two years are at risk of deletion, with the process commencing imminently.
Users with accounts falling into the 'inactive' category will receive notifications from Google. These notices will be dispatched to the registered email associated with the inactive account and its designated recovery address, if one has been set up.
Google attributes this policy update to bolstering security measures. Dormant accounts are at higher risk of security breaches due to outdated passwords, lack of two-factor authentication, and reduced security scrutiny, potentially exposing these accounts to hacking, spamming, identity theft, and malicious activities.
To safeguard an account from deletion, users are advised to log in at least once every two years. Activities such as engaging with emails, performing Google searches, watching YouTube videos while signed into the account, and managing subscriptions through the Google account can also prevent an account from being deemed inactive.
Google has introduced tools like Google Takeout to allow users to download and export their account data. Additionally, the Inactive Account Manager provides options to manage account data in the event of inactivity, including transferring select files to trusted contacts or deleting the account.
Google has outlined specific exemptions from this policy, sparing accounts created for organizational purposes like schools or companies, active minor accounts managed by personal Google accounts, and accounts holding gift card balances or ongoing subscriptions.
The company has provisions to assist immediate family members in closing a deceased loved one's account or providing select account content, following a case-by-case evaluation.
Google strongly encourages users to maintain and update recovery email addresses, which play a pivotal role in receiving notifications about inactive accounts and other essential communications.
Google provides tools to help users manage and backup their data. Google Takeout allows users to download and export account data outside of Google, while the Inactive Account Manager lets users choose what happens to their account and data if it becomes inactive.
Google's online policy states that the company can work with immediate family to close the account of a deceased loved one and/or provide some account content without sharing login credentials on a case-by-case basis.
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