In May 2023, the search giant said the move was made for security reasons, as well as a cost-cutting measure.
Users often use multiple Google accounts at the same time for many purposes such as storing photos and documents. However, for the operating company, maintaining such storage capacity on free accounts is a significant cost.
Google’s new policy has been criticized by many. Some say Google should have been more transparent about the new policy, instead of sending emails with easily overlooked subject lines like “Inactive Google Account Policy Update.”
Others argued that citing security as a reason for deleting user accounts is illogical. “Old accounts are at risk of being hacked, so we should delete them? This is like thinking that we need to burn all our money in the bank to prevent being robbed,” complained one user on X (Twitter).
Meanwhile, the new rules do not apply to schools, businesses, and accounts with YouTube videos . Paid storage subscriptions are also not affected. According to a 2020 survey, Google said that 80% of users will retain the 15GB storage limit for at least three years.
“Accounts that are neglected or unmonitored often use old, potentially compromised passwords. They don’t have two-factor authentication set up, and they don’t have regular security checks by users,” said Ruth Kricheli, a Google vice president.
Microsoft is also implementing a similar policy by requiring customers to log in to their accounts at least once every two years and reserving the right to unilaterally close accounts if users do not comply with the regulations.
For the first time in nearly two decades since going public, Google is recording four consecutive quarters of revenue growth below 10%. The reason is that advertisers are tightening their spending amid macroeconomic uncertainty and fierce competition from rivals like TikTok.
(According to CNBC)
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