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Google has warned users that inactive accounts will be deleted on October 3. This policy applies to personal Google accounts that have not been used in over two years.
If your account falls under this category, you risk losing access to Gmail, Google Photos, Drive, and other services linked to your account.
Many users, including journalists, have received emails from Google with the subject line: “Your Google Account is being deleted.” While this may resemble a phishing scam, it is an official notification from Google.
To verify, avoid clicking on links in the email. Instead, log in to your Google account directly via a browser to check your account status.
Google’s inactive account policy aims to improve security by reducing the risk of compromised accounts. Unused accounts are often vulnerable due to weaker security measures and outdated passwords.
However, some users may still want to keep old accounts for stored documents, emails, and photos.
To prevent your account from being deleted, simply use it. Google considers various activities as account usage, including:
- Sending or reading an email.
- Watching a YouTube video or sharing a photo.
- Using Google Search or Google Drive.
These actions can be performed on any device, ensuring your account remains active. The policy does not apply to business or school accounts.
For additional security, ensure that you have a recovery email linked to your account.
This helps you receive important alerts and regain access if needed. Google’s policy is designed to keep accounts secure, but staying informed and taking action can help you avoid losing valuable data.
