If you have an old, forgotten Google account collecting virtual dust somewhere, now is the time to log back in. Beginning December 1st, Google will start phasing out accounts that have been inactive for two years or more in an effort to bolster security across its platforms.

While the search giant has had inactive account policies in place for years, the crackdown is about to ramp up. Under the new guidelines announced back in May 2023, accounts that are untouched for 24 months will be eligible for deletion. Google has already begun emailing affected users warning them that the clock is ticking.

“Forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, haven’t had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user,” said Ruth Kricheli, VP of Product Management, in a blog post this past spring detailing the revised timeline.

According to Kricheli, older, stagnant accounts tend to be the most vulnerable — often relying on outdated passwords or lacking secondary login protections. By phasing out accounts that have gone more than two years without any activity, Google aims to reduce the risk of compromised data and identity theft across its platforms.

The question now is: What constitutes “activity”?

Simply logging into your long lost Google account should restart the two-year timer. But the tech giant will also consider it active if you interact with any Google services across its ecosystem — including opening an email with Gmail, uploading files to Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading an app from Play Store, using Google Search, or signing in to third-party sites with your Google credentials.

While signing in is enough to rescue your account, Google notes you’ll need to specifically access Google Photos if you want to save those images and videos. Under a separate policy for its photo platform, visual content can still be erased after two years of inactivity — regardless if you’ve logged into the overarching account.

Before the purge begins, Google pledges to send multiple warnings directly to affected accounts and any recovery emails associated with them. But digital spring cleaning now could save you time and stress later. Take stock of any unused Google accounts you may have registered over the years — perhaps an old blog, school email, or work credentials. Sign in now before those accounts and data are gone for good.