Google to commence purging dormant accounts starting this week

Your neglected Google account might be deleted this week as Google proceeds with its plan to remove inactive accounts starting Friday.

The company unveiled its new policy in May, which aims to mitigate security risks. Internal data indicates that older accounts are more prone to using recycled passwords and are less likely to have up-to-date security measures such as two-step verification, leaving them more susceptible to phishing, hacking, and spam.

Google has been alerting affected users since August, sending multiple warnings to impacted accounts and their backup emails provided by the users.

Google announced in May that they would begin by cutting accounts that were created but never revisited by users in a phased approach. In an August policy update, Google emphasized their commitment to protecting users' private information and preventing unauthorized access to their accounts, even if they no longer use Google's services.

Google accounts encompass a range of services, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Photos. This means that all data stored in a dormant user's Google suite is at risk of being deleted.

However, there are some exceptions to this deletion process. Google stated in August that accounts with YouTube channels, those with remaining gift card balances, those used to purchase digital items, and those that have active published apps on platforms like the Google Play store will not be deleted.

Accounts will now be deleted if they are inactive for two years. To keep your account active, simply log in to your Google account or any Google service at least once every two years and engage in some activities like reading an email, watching a video, or performing a search.