Google, in its ongoing commitment to privacy and security, has announced a significant update to its inactivity policy for Google Accounts. Starting from Dec 2023, Google will enforce a new policy where accounts that remain inactive for two years across all Google products and services will be subject to deletion.
This policy bacome effective from December 1, 2023, for any account that hasn’t been signed into or used within this two-year timeframe.
This updated policy will impact users who have not accessed their Google Account for over two years. However, Google assures that before any account is deleted, users will receive several reminder emails. These emails will be sent to both the account and any associated recovery emails, at least eight months prior to any proposed deletion.
To avoid account deletion, users are encouraged to engage with their Google Accounts at least once every two years. Activities that count as engagement include using services like Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, or simply signing into the account. This policy comes with certain exceptions, such as accounts with active YouTube channels, Google Play Store apps, or those with monetary balances.
Google emphasizes its tools designed to help users manage their accounts and data. These include Google Takeout for data download and the Inactive Account Manager, which lets users plan for their data in case of prolonged inactivity.
Google’s updated inactivity policy underscores its dedication to user privacy and data security. By implementing this policy, Google aims to ensure that user data is not left vulnerable in inactive accounts.
The company’s proactive approach in notifying users and providing tools to manage their accounts reflects its commitment to user-centric practices. For marketers, this development highlights the importance of regular engagement with digital assets and the need to stay abreast of policy changes in the digital ecosystem.