The time has come to visit your old Google account that has been collecting dust.
Because from December 1, the tech giant will begin erasing accounts deemed ‘inactive’.
Under the company’s updated inactive-account policy, accounts deemed ‘inactive’ could have their Google Drive, Docs and Gmail erased permanently.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid getting caught out.
Why is Google deleting inactive accounts?
This isn’t a surprise. Google announced its inactive-account update back in May.
And they attributed the update to security issues.
Accounts that haven’t been used for a long time are more likely to be compromised, the company said, noting that “forgotten or unattended accounts” typically have old passwords, often lack two-factor authentication and receive fewer security checks.
As a result, these accounts could be hijacked and used for spam or other malicious content, as well as identity theft.
How do I know if my Google account is ‘inactive’?
If you’ve signed into your Google account in the past two years then the company considers the account active and it will not be deleted.
And if your Google account is in danger of deletion, you’ll know.
Google said that before they delete an account they will, “send multiple notifications over the months leading up to deletion, to both the account email address and the recovery email (if one has been provided).”
The deletions will also take a phased approach, starting with accounts that were created and then never used again.
How do I recover an inactive Google account?
The easiest way to keep your Google account active (and thus prevent it from being deleted) is to sign in at least once every two years.
Other actions that fulfil account activity requirements include:
- Reading or sending an email
- Using Google Drive
- Watching a YouTube video
- Sharing a photo
- Downloading an app
- Using Google Search
But you have to be signed into your Google account while you do these activities for your account to be considered active.
Using Google to sign into a third-party app or service also activates an account.
Preserving content on Google Photos requires a specific sign-in. As previously announced by Google, Photos content may be similarly deleted after two years of inactivity — meaning you should open the application every so often to keep images from going into the trash.
Are there any exceptions to the new update?
Yep! Only personal accounts will be targeted in the sweep. Accounts made for organisations like schools or companies are in the clear, Google says.
Other exceptions include Google accounts that manage active accounts for minors through Family Link, accounts containing a gift card balance as well as those that have been used to purchase Google products and apps or subscriptions that are ongoing, as per their online policy.
There are also no plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos at this time, a Google spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday.
How do I save data from my Google account?
Even if your account isn’t in the firing line this time, it’s always a good idea to back up any valuable data you could have lying around.
Google Takeout lets users download and export their account data at any time.
And its Inactive Account Manager lets you choose what would happen to your account and data if it becomes inactive — including options to send select files to trusted contacts or delete the account entirely.
AP/ABC