In a significant development, Google has announced its decision to close a vast number of user accounts, targeting those that have been inactive for an extended period.
This means users who have not accessed their Google accounts for a substantial period will face account closure, rendering them unable to utilize services such as Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, and Photos.
The initiative is set to commence from December 2023.
Google clarified that this measure will solely apply to personal Google accounts, while school, organization, and business accounts will remain unaffected.
Know Why Google Decided to Close the Accounts
According to media reports, the presence of inactive accounts posed a potential security threat to users.
Inactive accounts are susceptible to being hijacked or transformed into bots, making them a concern for Google’s security protocols.
To address these issues, Google has taken the decision to close accounts that have been inactive for two or more years.
When Will Google Accounts Be Closed?
Starting December 1, 2023, data associated with Google’s inactive accounts will be deleted.
The account closure rule applies exclusively to personal accounts, while corporate accounts will continue to function as usual.
Google aims to enhance the security of its accounts and has previously made 2-Step Verification (2FA) mandatory for all Gmail accounts in 2021.
Which Services Will Be Affected?
The new account closure policy will impact several Google services, including Google Drive, YouTube, Google Play Store, and Google Search.
Users who haven’t utilized these services for a considerable duration are advised to periodically activate their Google accounts to avoid potential closure.
