Warning that your Gmail account could soon get deleted unless you follow new Google advice

A deadline set by Google for those with inactive accounts is looming with users urged to use it or lose it.

Over the weekend Google sent out a number of messages warning millions of its users about what could happen to inactive Google accounts, including Gmail or Google Photos, the Mirror reports. "We are updating the inactivity period for a Google Account to two years across all of our products and services," the message reads.

"This change starts rolling today and will apply to any Google Account that's been inactive, meaning it has not been signed into or used within a two-year period. An inactive account and any content in it will be eligible for deletion from December 1, 2023."

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It is believed those who could be affected by this will get plenty of notice before anything is permanently deleted. The firm says: "If your account is considered inactive, we will send several reminder emails to both you and your recovery emails (if any have been provided) before we take any action or delete any account content. These reminder emails will go out at least 8 months before any action is taken on your account."

It's pretty easy to stop accounts being deleted with Google saying users simply need to read or send an email, use Google Drive, watch a YouTube clip, share a photo or sign into the account and perform some web searches. This should be enough to keep things active.

Google says it is bringing in measures to help keep accounts secure and stop any unauthorised access if an account is no longer being used. "People want the products and services they use online to be safe and secure," said Google's Ruth Kricheli in a post on the