'Google Account' Inactive for 2 Years Will Be Deleted Starting Next Month

Cannot Use Email, Documents, and Photos After Account Deletion
"Must Log In If You Do Not Want to Delete"

Google will begin deleting personal accounts that have not been accessed for at least two years starting from the 1st of next month.

According to the AP News on the 28th (local time), Google announced that, in accordance with the 'Inactive Account Policy' announced last May, it will gradually delete personal accounts that have not been used for at least two years starting from the 1st of next month.

Once an account is deleted, users will no longer be able to use Google products such as Gmail, Google Docs, Workspace, and Photos. Therefore, if you have a Google account that has not been used for a while and do not want it to be deleted, you must log in by the 30th.

Google explained that before deleting accounts, it will send multiple notifications to users via backup emails provided with Gmail and other means to inform them about the account deletion. To avoid account deletion, users must log in at least once every two years, send an email while logged into their Google account, use Google Search, or watch YouTube videos. Additionally, subscribing to articles or using other applications (apps) through a Google account is also considered account activity.

This measure applies only to personal accounts and does not affect institutions such as schools or businesses that use Gmail and other Google services. Accounts managing activated minor accounts, accounts with gift card balances, and accounts used to purchase Google apps, subscriptions, books, or movies are also excluded from deletion. A Google spokesperson told AP that accounts with YouTube channels or YouTube videos will not be deleted either.

Earlier, Google had announced in May that it would begin deleting dormant accounts starting in December to address security risks.

Ruth Critelli, Vice President of Product Management at Google, said, "This measure is to protect users because accounts that have not been used for a while are more likely to be exposed to security threats." Google also explained that accounts that have not been used for a long time, use old passwords, lack two-factor authentication, or are forgotten and neglected are more likely to be exposed to security risks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.