Here's why Google is warning inactive account users; Act before Friday or risk deletion

In an effort to boost security, Google has issued a warning to users with dormant accounts - sign in by the end of the week or face potential deletion. The tech giant's updated policy, announced earlier this year, targets accounts inactive for over two years, citing security vulnerabilities tied to outdated passwords and lacking security measures.

Accounts categorized as "inactive" are susceptible to being erased starting Friday. Google has emphasized that forgotten or neglected accounts are more susceptible to compromise, leaving them prone to misuse for spam, identity theft, and other malicious activities.

The tech titan has laid out clear steps for users to ensure the preservation of their data and account status. Regularly signing in, managing subscriptions, engaging in activity on various Google platforms (like Gmail, Docs, Drive, and YouTube), and accessing Google Photos are recommended actions to maintain account activity and prevent potential deletion.


However, there are exceptions to this policy. Personal accounts inactive for two or more years fall under the purview of deletion, while accounts affiliated with organizations or involved in ongoing transactions for Google products or services will remain unaffected.

Concerned users can take proactive measures to safeguard their data. Google offers tools such as Google Takeout for data export and the Inactive Account Manager, which empowers users to determine the fate of their data if the account goes inactive. Additionally, users are encouraged to update recovery emails, a helpful channel for receiving notifications regarding inactive accounts.