Google Accounts Will Be Deleted In December 2023, Google is set to begin a careful and gradual account and content deletion process. Yonatan Zunger Kricheli, a representative from Google, emphasized the company’s commitment to handle this process with utmost care and provide ample notice to its users. The first accounts in line for deletion will be those that were created but have remained inactive since then.
Looking ahead, Google aims to keep users well-informed about their intentions to delete accounts, as well as the associated Gmail and Google Photos content. Multiple notifications will be sent to users in the months leading up to the deletion. These notifications will be directed to the primary account email address as well as the recovery email if one has been provided.
In summary, Google plans to execute this process in a gradual and transparent manner, ensuring users are fully aware of the impending account deletions well before they occur.
Why is Google Purging Inactive Accounts?
Google’s decision to purge inactive accounts may come as a surprise, but it’s driven by security concerns. The company’s policy update highlights that accounts left unused for extended periods are more susceptible to compromise, especially if they rely on old or reused passwords, which carry a higher risk of being breached. Additionally, inactive accounts are less likely to have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, making them easier targets for unauthorized access.
Google’s Inactive Account Purge: Strengthening Security Measures
To address these security issues associated with unused accounts, Google advises users to consider using a password manager application in conjunction with activating 2FA. A password manager simplifies the process of creating unique and robust passwords for each account, alleviating the burden of remembering them all. Users only need to recall the master password that unlocks access to the password vault. While some might worry about the security of keeping all passwords in one place, reputable password managers, like 1Password, offer robust encryption and protection mechanisms to keep data safe even in the event of a server breach.
Furthermore, enabling 2FA on all Google accounts adds an extra layer of defense against potential attackers. Users can use third-party applications like Google Authenticator or Authy for a separated 2FA solution or opt for hardware authentication keys for even stronger protection.
In conclusion, Google’s proactive approach to removing inactive accounts aims to enhance overall security by addressing potential vulnerabilities associated with forgotten or unused credentials. By adopting password managers and enabling 2FA, users can significantly bolster the protection of their Google accounts and sensitive information.