In a recent update to its policy, Google announced that it will no longer delete videos from inactive YouTube accounts. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the preservation of internet history and the digital archives of users who have passed away.

Google’s initial plan was to delete any accounts that remained inactive for two years, citing security reasons. The company believed that inactive accounts were more susceptible to hacking due to the absence of security measures like two-step verification.

However, Google recognized the value of the content stored on YouTube and revised its policy accordingly. The updated statement now reads, “We do not have plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos at this time.”

While Google’s motivation for the inactive account policy was primarily focused on reducing fraud and protecting user data, it would also have resulted in cost savings on server expenses. However, the preservation of valuable content on YouTube took precedence.

It is important to note that this policy update only pertains to YouTube videos and does not apply to other Google services like Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, and Google Photos. The deletion process for these services will commence in December 2023, starting with accounts that were permanently deleted and never used again. Google aims to provide users with ample time to log in and secure their data. Multiple notifications, including emails to the account’s recovery address, will be sent before any account deletion takes place.

The decision to preserve YouTube videos has been met with relief from many internet users who cherish the platform as a repository of memories and creative content. However, it is essential for individuals to back up their meaningful data across various platforms and services to ensure its long-term preservation.

In addition to Google, other tech companies have also been contemplating policies regarding dormant accounts. Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, recently announced plans to purge inactive accounts. These evolving policies serve as a reminder for users to safeguard their valuable digital assets and take proactive steps to protect their data.