Google to delete inactive accounts lacking a phone number

Google announced a policy to purge accounts that have been inactive for a recent period. The policy specifically targets accounts without a phone number attached. Users whose accounts meet both criteria will see their accounts deleted. The move is intended to reduce the number of dormant or potentially abusive accounts. Google has previously conducted similar clean‑up efforts on its platform. Affected users are advised to add a phone number to retain access. The deletion process will be automated and applied globally. No explicit timeline for the deletions was disclosed in the announcement. Observers will watch for impacts on user data and account recovery options.