Gmail account deletion: Understanding Google's new two‑year policy
Do you have a Gmail account but rarely use it? Be careful! Google has introduced a new policy that could result in your account being deleted if it remains inactive for an extended period. Find out what to do to avoid losing your data.
13 September 2024 08:02
Google has announced important service changes that may affect millions of users worldwide. Gmail accounts that have not been used for two years can be permanently deleted. Along with them, all emails, Google Drive files, and other data associated with the account will disappear. The company decided to improve security and protect users from threats related to inactive accounts. Fortunately, there is a simple way to avoid this – just a short activity occasionally. This article will explain how to secure your account and data.
Your Gmail account may be deleted
Google has announced that Gmail accounts that remain inactive for two years may be permanently deleted. This applies only to personal accounts – business and school accounts are excluded from this rule. If you do not regularly use your Gmail account, there is a real risk that all the data stored on it may be erased.
Google's new policy introduced in 2023 aims to increase user security. Deleting inactive accounts helps minimize the risk of data theft, as such accounts can become easy targets for cybercriminals. The company has already announced the initiation of the account deletion process, which may affect users who have long forgotten about their Gmail profiles.
How to avoid Gmail account deletion?
Fortunately, avoiding Gmail account deletion is extremely simple. Google considers an account active when the user performs any activity on it. It’s enough to log in once to Gmail, use Google Drive, download an app on your smartphone from Google Play, or search for information on Google to keep the account safe.
For those who use Gmail sporadically, logging in at least once every two years and performing any activity is recommended. This is the minimum requirement to prevent permanently deleting data such as emails, Google Drive files, or other services associated with the Google account. It's worth remembering, especially if you store important information or personal data on Gmail that could be irreversibly lost.
Additionally, Google informs that users will receive appropriate notifications before deciding to delete an account, giving them time to react.
