YouTube Won't Be Deleting Videos From Inactive Accounts: Google Updates Its Policy

Recently, Google has updated its policy on inactive accounts. It declares that any account that has not been active for two years will be deleted. The internet people were taken aback and came up with their concerns over the old YouTube accounts.

There’s a hoard of internet history lying in the old corners of YouTube, not to mention the accounts of users who have died long back. Probably the dear ones of dead people would prefer to have access to their digital archives. Google recently updated its post stating they don’t have plans to delete accounts with Youtube videos for the time being. But Google will still go ahead with the deletion process of other old accounts.

It further claims that these accounts would have less chance of using a 2-step verification setup. The company also adds that inactive log-ins are vulnerable and thus easier to crack. They also state that these accounts can be utilized for identity theft to be a vector for unwanted or even spreading vicious content, like spam.

As Google deletes some old uploads, it would also save on server expenses. However, the deletion process for content inside the Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar) and Google Photos, won’t begin till December 2023. The process will be initiated, by erasing those accounts that were deleted and never used again. Thus, users would have plenty of time to log in and they can preserve their videos. Google said that activity will be easy and simple like using Google to log into another app. Google will send the user several notifications, including to its recovery address before deleting an account. You can also check out the updated policy, here.

Many internet enthusiasts are relieved as YouTube videos will stay untouched. However, Google holds plenty of peoples’ memories, from Google Drive to Photos, that some digital relics will be lost. Meanwhile, the owner Elon Musk also recently announced their plans to get rid of inactive accounts on Twitter. It is always better to back up your meaningful data as we witness potential policy changes across tech companies.

Also, check out the blog – Google introduces passkey as a password for users.