Google has announced that it will soon carry out a mass deletion of unused and compromised accounts across all of its services.
This unprecedented cleanup effort aims to improve security and reduce vulnerabilities, but will result in the permanent deletion of millions of neglected Google Gmail accounts.
Two-year dormancy policy begins December 2023
In a May 2022 blog post, Google revealed its new policy for deleting accounts inactive for two or more years. This policy will go into effect in December 2023, meaning that accounts that have not logged in since the end of 2021 will face deletion.
The change affects accounts for Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, YouTube and other Google services. Simply not using these services for more than two years could result in permanent data loss.
Google cites security benefits of mass deletion
Google says the mass removal is due to analytics showing that unattended accounts are highly vulnerable to compromise and misuse. Forgotten accounts tend to have weaker passwords, lack two-factor authentication, and receive fewer security updates from users.
Once controlled by compromised credentials, inactive accounts can be used for identity theft, malware spread, and other criminal activities. Removing them en masse reduces this threat surface for Google and users.
Phase out starting with never used accounts
Account deletions will occur in phases starting with accounts created but never used. Google will send multiple notifications for several months before deleting accounts or their data.
Notifications will be sent to the account email addresses and any secondary recovery emails on file. But for intact accounts, the warnings may not be seen, which will still result in their deletion after two years of inactivity.
Simple ways to keep your account active
To prevent data loss, users simply need to sign in to their Google accounts once every two years. Even basic actions like checking Gmail or watching YouTube will be considered activity.
Other ways to stay active include using Google Drive, Search, Android apps, or signing in to third-party sites with Google sign-in credentials. Setting a recurring calendar event can also remind users to log in periodically.
Backup Options for Accounts at Risk
For those who are unsure whether accounts will remain active, Google suggests that users immediately enable backup options before mass deletions begin.
Key ways to preserve data from inactive accounts include:
- Use Google Takeout to download copies of emails, photos and other content.
- Set up an auto-reply in Gmail to notify senders if the account is closed.
- Use the Inactive Account Manager to organize backups or delete the account after 18 months of inactivity.
- Share specific files with trusted contacts chosen by the user if the account is not used.
Millions of accounts face deletion
Given Google’s ubiquity, its two-year inactivity policy likely puts millions of accounts at risk of permanent deletion. Accounts not used from 2021 will be the first batch removed starting in late 2023.
Forgetting old Google accounts for school, work, side projects, or other purposes could have real consequences, as carelessness can erase your data. Even active users could lose access to very old or spare accounts created a long time ago.
While a hassle for account owners, Google frames mass deletion as an essential security initiative and responsibility to protect its infrastructure. But the company aims to provide users with extensive warning and backup tools before deleting accounts en masse.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn