Tech Giant Google Announces New Policy to Enhance User Security
In a recent announcement, Google revealed its new policy aimed at bolstering user security by deleting data from certain Google services. The policy will specifically apply to Gmail, Google Drive and Docs, Google Photos, Google Calendar, and YouTube accounts that have remained inactive for a period of two years or more.
The decision comes as a measure to mitigate potential security risks associated with inactive accounts. Such accounts are often found lacking two-step authentication and tend to employ outdated or easily guessable passwords, rendering them more vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Ruth Kricheli, Vice President of Product Management at Google, emphasized the significance of this policy change. She stated, “These accounts are often vulnerable, and once an account is compromised, it can be used for anything from identity theft to a vector for unwanted or even malicious content, like spam.”
It is important to note that this policy will not affect business or school-associated accounts, focusing solely on personal accounts.
Google plans to initiate the deletion process in December at the earliest. Prior to the actual deletion, several notifications will be sent to inactive account holders and their associated recovery email addresses, ensuring they are adequately informed.
Accounts that have never been used since their creation will be the first to be removed, according to Kricheli.
To maintain an active account, users have the option to either log in directly to their account or grant permission for third-party websites and apps to access it.
This new policy highlights Google’s commitment to user safety and aims to protect individuals from potential security breaches associated with inactive accounts.
