Google updates its account policy: Inactive accounts still face deletion, but YouTube videos are saved

As we reported a few days ago, Google recently announced an update to its account policy, revealing that any account left inactive for a period of two years will be deleted. However, in a significant relief to YouTube users, the company stated that YouTube videos will no longer be subject to deletion. This change in policy came in response to concerns raised by internet users regarding the preservation of old YouTube accounts and the digital archives of deceased users.

The primary motivation behind Google's implementation of the inactive account policy is to address fraud and protect against compromised accounts. Abandoned accounts are seen as more vulnerable to hacking since they are less likely to have essential security measures such as two-step verification in place. Although deleting old uploads would help reduce server costs, Google has announced that the deletion process for Google Workspace and Google Photos won't start until December 2023.

To ensure users have ample time to retrieve their data, the deletion process will be carried out in phases, starting with accounts that were previously deleted and remained unused. Google plans to send multiple notifications and alerts to users with old accounts, urging them to log in and retain their data before the accounts are permanently deleted. The news that YouTube videos will be preserved brings relief to numerous internet enthusiasts who regard these videos as valuable digital artifacts. However, it's important to note that other Google services like Google Drive and Google Photos may still result in the loss of certain digital memories.

This recent development involving Google's account policy aligns with Elon Musk's plans to purge dormant accounts on Twitter. Musk's announcement suggests a potential trend of policy changes across various tech companies. In light of this situation, it serves as a reminder for users to take proactive steps to back up their important data to ensure its preservation, especially considering the evolving landscape of account policies and potential account deletions.