Current:Home > MarketsGoogle will start deleting inactive accounts in December under new security policy-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Google will start deleting inactive accounts in December under new security policy
View Date:2024-12-23 22:44:35
If you have a Google account that hasn't been used in recent years, it may get deleted later this year under a new Google policy.
Google announced in May that it will be deleting accounts that have been "inactive" for at least two years. Inactive accounts have a better chance of being compromised, the company stated.
"This is because forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, haven't had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," the May blog post stated.
Here's everything you need to know about Google's new policy that deletes accounts.
What accounts can be deleted?
Any Google account that has been inactive for two years is eligible for deletion. This includes accounts that have not been used or signed into.
Google can delete the account and its contents, including content in the Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar and Google Photos applications associated with the account.
Only personal Google accounts will be deleted. School or business accounts will not be impacted. Additionally, Google stated it does not currently plan to delete accounts that have YouTube videos.
"This update aligns our policy with industry standards around retention and account deletion and also limits the amount of time Google retains your unused personal information," the blog states.
Google ups the ante on AI:Here's how search and Gmail will change
How will the deletion process work?
Google stated it plans to take a phased approach to delete accounts, starting with accounts that were made and not used after creation.
"Before deleting an account, we will send multiple notifications over the months leading up to deletion, to both the account email address and the recovery email (if one has been provided)," the blog states.
The company began sending out the warning emails just recently, according to CNN.
More Google news:New Google alert will tell you when you appear in search, help remove personal information
When will accounts be deleted?
The deletion process will begin December 2023.
How can I keep my account active?
To keep your account active, sign-in at least one time ever two years.
Google considers activity as:
- Sending or reading an email on the account
- Viewing a YouTube video
- Downloading an app using the Google Play Store
- Using Google Search while logged into your account
- Using your Google Drive account
- Using "Sign in with Google" to log into a third-party app or service
Additionally, people with an existing subscription that uses a Google account are considered to have an active account.
More:Will AI deepen distrust in news? Gannett, other media organizations want more regulations.
Kate Perez covers trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her via email at [email protected] or on X at @katecperez_
veryGood! (427)
Related
- New Jersey will issue a drought warning after driest October ever and as wildfires rage
- You'll Be Soaring After Learning Zac Efron Just Followed Ex-Girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens on Instagram
- Denise Richards Is Returning to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Find Out What She Revealed
- When flooding from Ian trapped one Florida town, an airboat navy came to the rescue
- Todd Golden to continue as Florida basketball coach despite sexual harassment probe
- Sarah Ferguson Breaks Silence on Not Attending King Charles III's Coronation
- A new kind of climate refugee is emerging
- Ready to toss out your pumpkins? Here's how to keep them out of the landfill
- Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Jets QB tells reporters he plans to play in 2025
- Amber Borzotra Exits The Challenge World Championship Early After Learning She's Pregnant
Ranking
- Former West Virginia jail officer pleads guilty to civil rights violation in fatal assault on inmate
- FAQ: What's at stake at the COP27 global climate negotiations
- Why Kathy Griffin Wakes Up “Terrified” After Complex PTSD Diagnosis
- Do Your Eye Makeup in 30 Seconds and Save 42% On These Tarte Products
- Bill on school bathroom use by transgender students clears Ohio Legislature, heads to governor
- Love Is Blind's Paul Peden Accuses Vanessa Lachey of Having Personal Bias at Reunion
- California, hit by a 2nd atmospheric river, is hit again by floods
- Snow blankets Los Angeles area in rare heavy storm
Recommendation
-
What’s the secret to growing strong, healthy nails?
-
Climate change makes storms like Ian more common
-
The 2022 hurricane season shows why climate change is so dangerous
-
Anna Nicole Smith's Complex Life and Death Is Examined in New Netflix Documentary Trailer
-
Man waives jury trial in killing of Georgia nursing student
-
Extremist Futures
-
How worried should you be about your gas stove?
-
Mississippi River Basin adapts as climate change brings extreme rain and flooding