Google is adopting a huge policy update with its astonishing user base of 2 billion users of Google Photos and 1.8 billion users of active Gmail accounts. Google will delete dormant accounts starting in December 2023 for security reasons. The specifics of Google's inactive account policy, the reasons behind its purging of dormant accounts, and the steps users can take to save their emails, images, and other content from being destroyed are covered in this article.
Google's Inactive Account Policy: Understanding the Change
Ruth Kricheli, Google's vice president of product management, clarified that the amended inactive account policy covers all Google products, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, and Google Photos, and applies to accounts that have not been used or signed into for at least two years. Before any deletion takes place, the account and material deletion process will be meticulously carried out, with several notices given to the account email addresses and recovery emails, if provided.
Reasons for Purging Inactive Accounts
Google's move to delete dormant accounts is mostly motivated by security concerns. Long-term inactive accounts are more vulnerable to compromise since they have weak passwords and don't employ two-factor authentication (2FA). Compared to active accounts, abandoned accounts are at least 10 times less likely to have 2FA enabled. Google recommends using a password manager and turning on 2FA for all accounts to address these security issues.
Password Manager and Two-Factor Authentication: Enhancing Security
Utilizing a password manager is crucial for creating strong and unique passwords for each account. Storing passwords in a password vault protects them, and it only requires remembering a single master password. Additionally, some password managers offer the option to choose between a long random string of characters and a passphrase comprising several random words for added convenience. When selecting a password manager, it's essential to choose a reputable and secure service that encrypts data and provides account-specific secret keys.
Enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of protection to accounts. Third-party applications like Google Authenticator or Authy are recommended to separate the 2FA mechanism from the password manager. Even better, using a hardware authentication key can provide a higher level of security.
Protecting Your Gmail and Google Photos Content from Deletion
There is no need to be concerned if you have used your Gmail or Google Photos account within the last two years. The accounts that are created but never used again will be the first to be deleted. You can stop multiple accounts from being deleted if you log into them at least once per two years if they have been inactive for longer than two years. The account will also be marked as active if you send or read emails, conduct a Google search, use Google Drive, watch a YouTube video, or download an app from the Google Play Store.
Recovering Forgotten Accounts
Google offers a mechanism for account recovery for individuals who might have forgotten about some accounts. Google will issue a verification code if you enter the recovery email address or phone number connected to the account in order to recover it. Users who retrieve their passwords can then create a new one to protect their account and its contents.
Conclusion
Users must comprehend the ramifications and take appropriate action to safeguard their content as Google gets ready to implement its inactive account policy modification in December 2023. Users can avoid having their Gmail and Google Photos content deleted by using a password manager, turning on two-factor authentication, and keeping their accounts active. The secret to maintaining a safe and uninterrupted online experience with Google services is to be educated and proactive.
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