Google is cleaning up !

And even more data stored on Google

Firstly, Google recently announced that they intend to delete data from accounts that have been inactive for more than two years. Thus, it will implement this new update to its storage policy for its services starting June 1, 2021. So, if your account is inactive for more than 24 months, your data will be automatically deleted by the American giant to make room. Moreover, Google has also implemented a tool to help manage storage space on Drive and email to optimize the available space, which is limited to 15 GB for a free account.

So, why has Google decided to implement measures against inactive accounts ?

And for that, it’s simple : the American firm explains that more and more users are downloading their content to Gmail, Drive, and Photo. Consequently, these measures have been put in place to address this growing need. Because the American company is obliged to add these new rules: more than 4.3 million GB are added daily to Google by users.

How to ensure that your Google account is still active ?

Consequently, it’s very simple. Thus, it’s enough to regularly use their services such as Gmail, Drive, Photos via a web browser or an official application dedicated to the products. Finally, if you have multiple accounts, don’t forget to use them from time to time.

Thus, It’s the end of free unlimited storage on Google Photos !

Additionally, another measure taken by the American group: the end of free unlimited storage. Google Photos storage will no longer be unlimited from June 1, 2021.

Similarly, it’s by email that the American firm has chosen to inform its users. Consequently, Google will count all new photos and videos saved in high quality against the free Google account storage, limited to only 15 GB.

On the other hand, this only concerns photos saved from June 1, 2021. Nevertheless, the old ones will be well preserved in your Google account.

Previously, only high-quality original photos were counted against Google’s free storage. Because the company saves compressed photos at 16 megapixels and videos compressed in high definition for free.

But why such a measure ?

First of all, Google justifies its decision by the cost of free unlimited photo storage. The company reminds that Google Photos hosts more than 4000 billion photos and videos. Moreover, users import 28 billion new photos and videos each week. And for that, it’s a huge cost for the company. But also significant pollution.

So, what to do ?

First, according to the company, you don’t have to do anything. Second, Google will send an email on June 1, 2021, to remind you of this important change, and you will receive reminders as you approach your storage space limit.
Meanwhile, Google has also set up a service that allows you to delete less important photos from your Google account. This tool will help you sort out blurry, dark photos… Fourth, Google advises users who need more space to opt for a Google One plan which offers attractive rates.

In conclusion, this decision is complicated. But it is necessary to avoid encouraging people to store too much online. Because drives remain very polluting for the planet. And for Google, free storage is no longer profitable. Indeed, the infrastructure to store all this data is extremely expensive, energy-consuming, and polluting.