Google has announced its plans to delete inactive Gmail accounts including the removal of all associated content like Google Photos, Drive, Contact, Adsense, Docs files, and any other Google services linked to the account starting December 1st. Initially disclosed in May, the planned move targets accounts inactive for two years or more.
Ruth Kricheli, Google’s VP of product management, explained why this process of deleting inactive accounts is necessary for security measures. According to Kricheli, inactive accounts are more vulnerable to email phishing, identity theft, and malicious content such as spam, due to outdated or reused passwords, lack of two-factor authentication, and reduced user security oversight.
Gmail, with 1.5 billion global active users as of 2019, stands as one of the most widely used email services globally. Given its popularity and the propensity for scammers to target Gmail users, Google’s move to delete dormant accounts aligns with bolstering overall security.
The company aims to mitigate potential risks associated with compromised accounts in order to maintain robust security practices. While Google has not disclosed specific figures regarding the number of inactive accounts, the initiative is expected to free up considerable storage space, considering its substantial user base.
