Google Warns, Fixes Date For Gmail, Photos Deletion For The Second Time

Google Warns, Fixes Date For Gmail, Photos Deletion For The Second Time

Many users have wondered when part two of the content deletion will start as Google have started deleting inactive Gmail and Photo accounts in December 2023.

The initial round of Google account deletions only applied to those that were never used after being created at least two years ago. The answer would appear to be a surprisingly long ten days months. But which accounts are next in line for the data deletion axe? A newly distributed email from Google reveals the details and brings in more anxiety.

Some people have started receiving an email from 24th January started that their inactive Google accounts is lined up for deletion, along with any Gmail, Photos, and Docs content, on 20 September 2024. Giving the date that: “your Google Account has not been used in at least 8 months.” In calculation, the account states that eight months of inactivity plus another eight until that deadline expires totals 16 months. Yet Google’s updated inactive account policy defines an inactive account, for the purposes of said deletion, as one that has not been used “across Google for at least two years.” Which leaves a difference of another eight months in all.

The major reason for deleting inactive accounts is to improve security and reduce the risk of compromise.

Google users with a single Gmail or Google Photos account, just the one Google account, in other words, any account that has been used within the last 16 months to be on the safe side, need not do anything, as your account isn’t considered inactive at this time and your content is safe.