Google to Begin Deleting Inactive Accounts

Move aims to enhance security, but prompts scramble among users to regain access

Google will begin deleting accounts that have been inactive for at least two years starting December 1, 2023. The company says it's doing so for privacy reasons.
The content that Google will delete includes emails, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar and Google Photos.
Google has been sending multiple notifications in the months leading up to deletion day, to both the account email address and a recovery email (if one has been provided).
Google's decision has initiated a scramble as Gmail users attempt to regain access to their lost accounts.
Google will also be able to recycle account names and not pay to host cloud content for accounts that are no longer in use.