Google will start deleting inactive accounts in December under new security policy

If you have a Google account that hasn't been used in recent years, it may get deleted later this year under a new Google policy.

Google announced in May that it will be deleting accounts that have been "inactive" for at least two years. Inactive accounts have a better chance of being compromised, the company stated.

"This is because forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, haven't had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," the May blog post stated.

Here's everything you need to know about Google's new policy that deletes accounts.

What accounts can be deleted?

Any Google account that has been inactive for two years is eligible for deletion. This includes accounts that have not been used or signed into.

Google can delete the account and its contents, including content in the Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar and Google Photos applications associated with the account.

Only personal Google accounts will be deleted. School or business accounts will not be impacted. Additionally, Google stated it does not currently plan to delete accounts that have YouTube videos.

"This update aligns our policy with industry standards around retention and account deletion and also limits the amount of time Google retains your unused personal information," the blog states.

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How will the deletion process work?

Google stated it plans to take a phased approach to delete accounts, starting with accounts that were made and not used after creation.

"Before deleting an account, we 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 blog states.

The company began sending out the warning emails just recently, according to CNN.

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When will accounts be deleted?

The deletion process will begin December 2023.

How can I keep my account active?

To keep your account active, sign-in at least one time ever two years.

Google considers activity as:

• Sending or reading an email on the account
• Viewing a YouTube video
• Downloading an app using the Google Play Store
• Using Google Search while logged into your account
• Using your Google Drive account
• Using "Sign in with Google" to log into a third-party app or service

Additionally, people with an existing subscription that uses a Google account are considered to have an active account.

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Kate Perez covers trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her via email at [email protected] or on X at @katecperez_