Alert For Gmail Users: Millions Of Accounts Will Be Deleted; How To Prevent It

New Delhi: Almost 85% of email users in India use Gmail, which is about 127 million people.

Here’s an alert for Gmail users — your account could soon be disabled!

Google has issued an urgent deadline for Gmail users. In a recent announcement, Google has warned that millions accounts could be deleted, starting in December 2023.

The tech giant will be targeting accounts which have been inactive for at least two years.

There’s no need to panic for those who use Gmail, Docs, Calendar and Photos regularly, as the update won’t affect active accounts.

However, if Google accounts have been dormant for an extended period, it’s time to take action urgently.

“If a Google Account has not been used or signed into for at least 2 years, we may delete the account and its contents,” Google stated. This includes data within Google Workspace, comprising Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar and Google Photos.

The new policy is meant to enhance security because old, inactive accounts are more susceptible to cyber threats.

Google has advised users to stay vigilant and follow some steps to avoid risk of deletion.

Before deleting an account, Google will send notifications several times to the account email address and recovery email provided by the user.

Google emphasised that forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on outdated or reused passwords, lack two-factor authentication and receive fewer security checks. Google’s analysis has revealed that unattended accounts are at least 10 times less likely to have 2-step verification set-up, making them easier targets for scammers and fraudsters worldwide.

Google is taking proactive measure to protect users from potential security breaches and create a safer online environment.