Google has announced a forthcoming purge of inactive accounts, set to commence in December. As part of this initiative, the tech giant will delete accounts that have not been used or accessed for a minimum of two years. This move encompasses Gmail accounts, potentially resulting in the loss of emails, photos, Google docs, and notes stored within the inactive accounts.

Users who haven’t engaged with their Google accounts for an extended period are advised to sign in promptly to prevent their accounts from being deleted. The two-year threshold is the criterion set by Google for initiating the deletion process. It’s crucial for users to be aware that the deletion process not only involves losing access to the email address but also the irreversible loss of any data stored within the account.

To safeguard against unintentional deletions, Google sends “multiple notifications” to users whose accounts are at risk. This emphasizes the importance of regularly logging into free online accounts, even if they are not actively in use. A calendar reminder to log in annually can serve as a practical measure to prevent account deletion, especially if the account holds significance.

It’s worth noting that different online platforms may have varying policies regarding account inactivity. While Google allows a two-year window before initiating deletion, other platforms like Microsoft or X (formerly Twitter) may have shorter periods, necessitating more frequent logins to maintain account activity.

In light of this announcement, Google users are encouraged to take proactive steps to secure their accounts and retain access to essential data. With the December deadline approaching, logging in and responding to notifications will ensure the preservation of valuable content stored in Gmail accounts.