Starting from tomorrow, December 1, Google will initiate the deletion of inactive Gmail accounts, as previously announced in May. According to the new policy, if a Google account has not been accessed or used for two years, it may be deleted, along with its contents including emails, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, and Google Photos.
Users can avoid deletion by simply signing into their Gmail account or using Google Drive prior to December 1. Furthermore, specifically signing into Google Photos will also protect photos from being deleted.
To avoid any confusion or setbacks, Google has sent multiple notifications to the account email address and a recovery email, if provided, leading up to the deletion date. However, if the Gmail account is linked to an old email address that is rarely used, it may be at risk.
This move is part of Google’s security effort, as older accounts are more susceptible to being compromised due to old or reused passwords.
In light of this, it has become crucial for users to back up their data, especially given Google’s recent Drive issues. For those who are unsure on how to do this, there is a guide available on how to save Gmail files from deletion using Google Takeout.
The traditional 3-2-1 backup strategy is still advised, but due to the rise in ransomware attacks and the potential vulnerability of cloud storage providers, businesses are now considering alternative backup strategies, such as 3-2-2 or even 3-2-3 backup methods.
For individuals, the classic 3-2-1 system is still the recommended method for data backup. Additionally, for those mainly focused on photos and videos, there is a guide available on how to create the ultimate photo backup for Adobe Lightroom or Google Photos.
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