Why and how to avoid it

In a statement that alerted millions of users, Google warned that it will permanently delete Gmail accounts that do not meet a basic requirement before December 2023.

Platform administrators will conduct a comprehensive review to identify users who are not in good standing, which could lead to irreparable data loss for many.

For many years, a Gmail address has become practically indispensable for using modern phones and accessing all available gadgets. The measure announced by Google seeks to enhance the protection of users’ personal data, and eliminate accounts that do not meet the specified requirements.

Users have until December 2023 to act and avoid having their accounts deleted. This limited time underscores the urgent need to take steps to keep your account in good standing and ensure the security of stored information, including important photos and notes.

What requirements must be met so that Google does not delete your account forever?

The basic requirement to avoid account deletion is to log in regularly. Google will consider an account obsolete if you haven’t signed in for at least two years, which may delete the account and its contents, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, and Google Photos.

Company officials say they will send advance notice several months before deleting an account, either to the account email address or to a recovery email address, if provided. This advance notice is intended to give users the opportunity to prevent deletion by taking necessary action.

When an account remains inactive for a long time, the risk of theft also increases because Two-Step Verification, an essential measure for personal security, may not be enabled. Google highlights that forgotten or unmonitored accounts often rely on old or reused passwords, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks.

How to increase the security of your Google account

For those who want to secure their accounts and files, Google recommends turning on two-step verification. This service provides an additional layer of protection, especially in cases of password theft. The process of activating it is simple:

1- Open a Google account.

2 – Enter the navigation panel and select the “Security” option.

3 – In the “Google Access” section, choose 2-Step Verification.

4- Click on “Start”.

5 – Follow the on-screen steps to complete the configuration.

Enabling two-step verification provides an additional layer of security that can be essential to protecting personal information and preventing unauthorized access.