Google to Begin Purging Data from Inactive Accounts
Google has announced that it will begin deleting data from inactive Google accounts, specifically targeting Gmail data and photos. To keep an account active, users need to log in at least once every two years. The decision to delete data is driven by security concerns as abandoned accounts are more likely to lack 2-step verification, making them susceptible to compromise. Despite initial confusion, Google clarifies that the purge does not include deleting YouTube videos. The policy change has faced criticism, with some expressing concerns about accounts of deceased individuals. Google advises users to proactively plan for digital legacy through its inactive account manager. A recent study predicts that dead accounts could outnumber the living on Facebook by 2070.