In a strategic move to enhance account security and reduce the vulnerability of forgotten or unattended accounts, Google has announced the commencement of a cleanup operation, targeting inactive Gmail accounts. The initiative aims to minimize the risk of hijacking, which is prevalent among accounts that are seldom accessed and lack updated security measures.
Data from Google indicates a significant disparity in the likelihood of abandoned accounts having two-step verification enabled, reportedly being at least 10 times lower compared to active accounts, as reported by Axios.
In its updated account policy, Google underscored the potential risks associated with compromised accounts, noting that once infiltrated, these accounts could be exploited for activities ranging from identity theft to becoming a conduit for unwanted or malicious content, such as spam.
Commencing this Friday, December 1, Google will initiate the deletion of accounts, along with their content and data, that have remained dormant for a two-year period. It’s worth noting that this policy excludes accounts established through an employer or school. Google has outlined its notification process, intending to alert users through both the account’s primary email address and a designated recovery email before the deletion process takes effect.
Users can proactively prevent their accounts from being part of this cleanup by engaging in regular activity. A simple sign-in at least once every two years is sufficient to maintain the active status of older Google accounts. Activities such as sending or reading emails, utilizing Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, performing searches on Google, or using Google to sign in to third-party apps or services contribute to account activity.
Furthermore, Google recognizes additional forms of activity, including having a subscription to Google One, a connected news source, or an app tied to the Google account. These measures provide users with a range of options to ensure their accounts remain active and evade Google’s initiative to purge potential security risks from the internet community. As users adapt to these guidelines, Google anticipates a more secure and resilient user environment across its platforms.
