Google has announced that it will no longer delete videos from inactive YouTube accounts. The tech giant had previously planned to delete accounts that had been inactive for two years, but the company has now changed its stance on the matter.
In a blog post addressing user concerns, Google acknowledged the value of YouTube videos as personal memories and experiences. “We do not have plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos at this time.” The company clarified, offering relief to content creators who had become worried.
While Google will still be deleting inactive Google accounts, the company has specifically stated that it will not delete accounts that have YouTube videos associated with them. Google emphasized that it will continue to monitor inactive accounts, and there may still be a possibility of deletion if an account remains inactive for an extended period.
The rationale behind Google’s decision lies in its internal analysis, which highlights the vulnerability of abandoned accounts compared to their active counterparts. As Google explains, “Our internal analysis shows abandoned accounts are at least 10x less likely than active accounts to have 2-step-verification set up; meaning, these accounts are often vulnerable, and once an account is compromised, it can be used for anything from identity theft to a vector for unwanted or even malicious content, like spam.” This policy change underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for its users and protecting their personal information.
While Google’s policy change ensures that YouTube videos will not be deleted, it’s important to note that other account-related actions may still be subject to removal due to prolonged inactivity. Elaborating on this aspect, Google further stated, “To reduce this risk, we are updating our inactivity policy for Google Accounts to 2 years across our products. Starting later this year, if a Google Account has not been used or signed into for at least 2 years, we may delete the account and its contents – including content within Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar) and Google Photos.”
