Google to delete millions of abandoned Gmail accounts next month

As announced in May 2023, Google will begin closing down unused Gmail accounts in December 2023.

The move comes as a way to curb attacks and security threats such as spam, phishing scams and account hijacking. Abandoned accounts are more prone to attacks as they are not updated with frequent security updates such as two-factor authentication (2FA) that improve account protection.

Google said that it would send multiple notifications before deleting the accounts. Account deletion will take place in multiple phases, starting with accounts that were created but never opened again.

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Account deletion will affect all linked Google accounts, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Calendar, and Photos.

To avoid the account from such actions, sign in at least once every two years to access its services.