Inactive account deletion - Revision history

Linka: updated all refs

2026-06-02T16:04:48Z

updated all refs

Sojourna: /* Proposed solutions */ Ref clean-up; removed a citation as its connection was only tangential.

2026-06-02T04:29:07Z

Proposed solutions: Ref clean-up; removed a citation as its connection was only tangential.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:29, 2 June 2026
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	==Proposed solutions==		==Proposed solutions==
	* Partly in response to corporate arguments about financial costs that justify harsh inactive account deletion policies, the Pirate Parties International website had published opinion articles advocating for the creation of a Digital Legacies Treaty in which some large email and social media services will be treated as effective public utilities akin to healthcare and emergency services, as the financial costs required for the services to maintain access to user data would become a government expense, akin to a military defense budget. The Pirate Parties International also advocated for structured protocols for the services to follow if they decide to shutter their platforms, which can include bailout, takeover by another platforms, or donation of archival data to archival institutions such as the National Diet Library of Japan, the Bibliothèque nationale of France, and the National Archives of the USA.<ref>https://pp-international.net/2026/02/digitallegacies/</~~ref><ref>~~https://pp-international.net/2026/05/~~stopageverificationenforcement~~/</ref>		Partly in response to corporate arguments about financial costs that justify harsh inactive account deletion policies, the Pirate Parties International website had published opinion articles advocating for the creation of a Digital Legacies Treaty in which some large email and social media services will be treated as effective public utilities akin to healthcare and emergency services, as the financial costs required for the services to maintain access to user data would become a government expense, akin to a military defense budget. The Pirate Parties International also advocated for structured protocols for the services to follow if they decide to shutter their platforms, which can include bailout, takeover by another platforms, or donation of archival data to archival institutions such as the National Diet Library of Japan, the Bibliothèque nationale of France, and the National Archives of the USA.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=KG \|title=The Case for a Digital Legacies Treaty \|url=https://pp-international.net/2026/02/digitallegacies/ \|website=Pirate Parties International \|date=10 Feb 2026 \|access-date=1 Jun 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306000633/https://pp-international.net/2026/02/digitallegacies/ \|archive-date=6 Mar 2026}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

18.141.41.131: Expand

2026-06-01T22:50:03Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 22:50, 1 June 2026
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	*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164854/https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ Archived])</ref>		*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164854/https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ Archived])</ref>
	*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250526024527/https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250621004808/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260125105022/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111213116/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ Archived])</ref>		*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250526024527/https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250621004808/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260125105022/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111213116/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ Archived])</ref>

			==Proposed solutions==
			* Partly in response to corporate arguments about financial costs that justify harsh inactive account deletion policies, the Pirate Parties International website had published opinion articles advocating for the creation of a Digital Legacies Treaty in which some large email and social media services will be treated as effective public utilities akin to healthcare and emergency services, as the financial costs required for the services to maintain access to user data would become a government expense, akin to a military defense budget. The Pirate Parties International also advocated for structured protocols for the services to follow if they decide to shutter their platforms, which can include bailout, takeover by another platforms, or donation of archival data to archival institutions such as the National Diet Library of Japan, the Bibliothèque nationale of France, and the National Archives of the USA.<ref>https://pp-international.net/2026/02/digitallegacies/</ref><ref>https://pp-international.net/2026/05/stopageverificationenforcement/</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Andrew V at 18:04, 1 June 2026

2026-06-01T18:04:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:04, 1 June 2026
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	*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20241218103805/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221016093816/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250402195858/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250316094922/https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223819/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ Archived])</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251117234124/https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref>		*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20241218103805/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221016093816/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250402195858/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250316094922/https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223819/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ Archived])</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251117234124/https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref>
	*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260126175853/https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ Archived])</ref>		*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260126175853/https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ Archived])</ref>
	*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130172956/https://tuta.com/support/security Archived])</ref>		*Tuta, formerly known as Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130172956/https://tuta.com/support/security Archived])</ref>
	*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164854/https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ Archived])</ref>		*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164854/https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ Archived])</ref>
	*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250526024527/https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250621004808/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260125105022/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111213116/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ Archived])</ref>		*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250526024527/https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250621004808/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260125105022/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111213116/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ Archived])</ref>

Tempo123: /* References */ Archive

2026-04-05T15:50:25Z

References: Archive

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 5 April 2026
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	==Examples==		==Examples==
	*[[Discord]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210025748/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion Archived])</ref>		*[[Discord]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210025748/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion Archived])</ref>
	*[[Google]] has deleted inactive accounts, often citing 'privacy reasons' as a reason for doing it.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Barker \|first=Shane \|title=Google's Inactive Account Deletion policy: What You Need To Know \|url=https://expertbeacon.com/googles-inactive-account-deletion-policy-what-you-need-to-know/ \|access-date=29 Oct 2025 \|website=Expert beacon}}</ref> The rationale has been ridiculed with some comparing it to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html Archived])</ref>		*[[Google]] has deleted inactive accounts, often citing 'privacy reasons' as a reason for doing it.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Barker \|first=Shane \|title=Google's Inactive Account Deletion policy: What You Need To Know \|url=https://expertbeacon.com/googles-inactive-account-deletion-policy-what-you-need-to-know/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260405154945/https://expertbeacon.com/googles-inactive-account-deletion-policy-what-you-need-to-know/ \|archive-date=5 Apr 2026 \|access-date=29 Oct 2025 \|website=Expert beacon}}</ref> The rationale has been ridiculed with some comparing it to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html Archived])</ref>
	*[[Microsoft]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Any account that has been locked for more than two years will also be considered "inactive" and will be closed. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210005823/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f Archived])</ref>		*[[Microsoft]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Any account that has been locked for more than two years will also be considered "inactive" and will be closed. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210005823/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f Archived])</ref>
	*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20241218103805/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221016093816/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250402195858/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250316094922/https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223819/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ Archived])</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251117234124/https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref>		*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20241218103805/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221016093816/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250402195858/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250316094922/https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223819/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ Archived])</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251117234124/https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref>

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	*[[Google]] has deleted inactive accounts, often citing 'privacy reasons' as a reason for doing it.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Barker \|first=Shane \|title=Google's Inactive Account Deletion policy: What You Need To Know \|url=https://expertbeacon.com/googles-inactive-account-deletion-policy-what-you-need-to-know/ \|access-date=29 Oct 2025 \|website=Expert beacon}}</ref> The rationale has been ridiculed with some comparing it to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html Archived])</ref>		*[[Google]] has deleted inactive accounts, often citing 'privacy reasons' as a reason for doing it.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Barker \|first=Shane \|title=Google's Inactive Account Deletion policy: What You Need To Know \|url=https://expertbeacon.com/googles-inactive-account-deletion-policy-what-you-need-to-know/ \|access-date=29 Oct 2025 \|website=Expert beacon}}</ref> The rationale has been ridiculed with some comparing it to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html Archived])</ref>
	*[[Microsoft]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Any account that has been locked for more than two years will also be considered "inactive" and will be closed. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210005823/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f Archived])</ref>		*[[Microsoft]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Any account that has been locked for more than two years will also be considered "inactive" and will be closed. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210005823/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f Archived])</ref>
	*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20241218103805/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221016093816/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250402195858/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250316094922/https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223819/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ Archived])</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref>		*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20241218103805/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221016093816/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250402195858/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250316094922/https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223819/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ Archived])</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251117234124/https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref>
	*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260126175853/https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ Archived])</ref>		*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260126175853/https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ Archived])</ref>
	*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130172956/https://tuta.com/support/security Archived])</ref>		*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130172956/https://tuta.com/support/security Archived])</ref>

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T12:28:22Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 12:28, 23 February 2026
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	*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260126175853/https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ Archived])</ref>		*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260126175853/https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ Archived])</ref>
	*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130172956/https://tuta.com/support/security Archived])</ref>		*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130172956/https://tuta.com/support/security Archived])</ref>
	*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/</ref>		*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164854/https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/ Archived])</ref>
	*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250621004808/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260125105022/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111213116/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ Archived])</ref>		*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250526024527/https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250621004808/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260125105022/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111213116/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ Archived])</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 16 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

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	*Many accounts and contents that were created or owned by now-deceased users are likely affected under such policies. This could mean that immense amounts of valuable or historical significant contents will be lost over time. In some jurisdictions, some companies may allow those with a durable power of attourney, or executors to access accounts. Others, such as Microsoft in the United States require executors to get a court order in order to access a decedents account.		*Many accounts and contents that were created or owned by now-deceased users are likely affected under such policies. This could mean that immense amounts of valuable or historical significant contents will be lost over time. In some jurisdictions, some companies may allow those with a durable power of attourney, or executors to access accounts. Others, such as Microsoft in the United States require executors to get a court order in order to access a decedents account.

	*Ultimately, in both the short and long term, such policies will cause serious erosion of historical integrity, which is especially paramount as in the era of deepfakes, lies and misinformation are just as likely as to arise from the absence of data than the presence of it. The erosion of historical integrity could cause human societies to be vulnerable to "historical context attacks".<ref>https://www.fastcompany.com/90549441/how-to-prevent-deepfakes</ref>		*Ultimately, in both the short and long term, such policies will cause serious erosion of historical integrity, which is especially paramount as in the era of deepfakes, lies and misinformation are just as likely as to arise from the absence of data than the presence of it. The erosion of historical integrity could cause human societies to be vulnerable to "historical context attacks".<ref>https://www.fastcompany.com/90549441/how-to-prevent-deepfakes ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251127195115/https://www.fastcompany.com/90549441/how-to-prevent-deepfakes Archived])</ref>

	==Examples==		==Examples==
	*[[Discord]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion</ref>		*[[Discord]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210025748/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion Archived])</ref>
	*[[Google]] has deleted inactive accounts, often citing 'privacy reasons' as a reason for doing it.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Barker \|first=Shane \|title=Google's Inactive Account Deletion policy: What You Need To Know \|url=https://expertbeacon.com/googles-inactive-account-deletion-policy-what-you-need-to-know/ \|access-date=29 Oct 2025 \|website=Expert beacon}}</ref> The rationale has been ridiculed with some comparing it to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html</ref>		*[[Google]] has deleted inactive accounts, often citing 'privacy reasons' as a reason for doing it.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Barker \|first=Shane \|title=Google's Inactive Account Deletion policy: What You Need To Know \|url=https://expertbeacon.com/googles-inactive-account-deletion-policy-what-you-need-to-know/ \|access-date=29 Oct 2025 \|website=Expert beacon}}</ref> The rationale has been ridiculed with some comparing it to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250831223936/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html Archived])</ref>
	*[[Microsoft]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Any account that has been locked for more than two years will also be considered "inactive" and will be closed. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f</ref>		*[[Microsoft]] has a deletion policy on inactive accounts in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled to be deleted. Any account that has been locked for more than two years will also be considered "inactive" and will be closed. Before the deletion of the inactive account, users may get an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled to be deleted.<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210005823/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-account-activity-policy-7c0a9fa7-0982-b7c6-fd72-df852b63699f Archived])</ref>
	*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts</ref>		*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20241218103805/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221016093816/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/ Archived])</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250402195858/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250316094922/https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223819/https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/ Archived])</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260119013218/https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts Archived])</ref>
	*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/</ref>		*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260126175853/https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/ Archived])</ref>
	*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security</ref>		*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130172956/https://tuta.com/support/security Archived])</ref>
	*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/</ref>		*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/</ref>
	*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/</ref>		*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250621004808/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014 Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260125105022/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving Archived])</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111213116/https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/ Archived])</ref>

	==References==		==References==

ClippyWantsToHelp: /* How it works */ modified and added more details

2026-02-22T22:43:02Z

How it works: modified and added more details

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	==How it works==		==How it works==
	~~Often,~~ companies delete or purge ~~inactive~~ accounts.		Several companies delete or purge accounts that have not shown any signs of activity after a certain period of time (e.g. two years). Some of them announce the account deletion via e-mail days or months before the deletion. If the account is deleted, it is likely all data linked to that account is unrecoverable.

	==Why it is a problem==		==Why it is a problem==

18.141.41.131: /* Examples */

2026-01-15T08:17:49Z

Examples

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:17, 15 January 2026
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	*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts</ref>		*[[Protonmail]] announced a policy in 2022 which entails the deletion of inactive accounts, resulting in a major controversy where many users voice their concerns on the decision.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/u3ejjp/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/u3g406/protonmails_dormant_policy_is_now_in_effect/</ref> In response to these concerns, Protonmail added an exemption where the inactive account policy would not apply to any accounts which had premium subscriptions at one point, although the exemption was revoked as of 2024. Protonmail accounts that were created before April 9, 2024 has a two year grace period before being subjected to the policy, as opposed to one year for newer accounts.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/uca15y/update_to_our_inactive_account_policy/</ref><ref>https://www.ghacks.net/2022/04/27/protonmail-will-not-delete-inactive-user-accounts-for-former-premium-subscribers/</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts</ref> In some cases users have reported success in recovering their inactive accounts after being locked under the policy.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i7gbd7/account_is_no_longer_available_due_to_inactivity/</ref> As of 2025 many users continue to voice their concerns regarding the inactive account policy, while advocating for sensible measures such as deleting only the contents in the inactive accounts while sparing the accounts themselves.<ref>https://protonmail.uservoice.com/forums/945460-general-ideas/suggestions/48235556-inactive-account-policy-keep-account-when-deleti</ref><ref>https://proton.me/support/inactive-accounts</ref>
	*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/</ref>		*Trello, which is owned by Atlassian, has a "Dormant Trello account policy" which said that accounts that are not logged in for more than two years could be subjected to deletions.<ref>https://support.atlassian.com/trello/docs/dormant-trello-account-policy/</ref>
	*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after ~~dix~~ months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security</ref>		*Tutanota, an email service based in Germany, deletes inactive free accounts after six months of inactivity, although unlike Protonmail, they explicitly allow the possibility of username revival and recovery provided that the user has the correct credentials and creates a paid email account where the revived username would be used as an alias.<ref>https://tuta.com/support/security</ref>
	*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/</ref>		*[[Twitch]] had implemented deletions of accounts that are not logged in for long periods while reclaiming their usernames in 2017 at least once.<ref>https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2017/01/06/username-rename-recycling-policy-update-882431cb966b/</ref>
	*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/</ref>		*[[X Corp\|X]], formerly known as Twitter, had in 2023 announced its intentions to delete inactive accounts, although following public backlash it had retracted the decision, saying that inactive accounts would be archived instead while their handles would be freed. Despite the retraction, there are at least one anecdotal reports which alleged X had deleted suspended accounts that are not logged in for a long time.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-remove-inactive-accounts-2023-05-08/</ref><ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65533014</ref><ref>https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/twitter-is-purging-inactive-accounts-including-people-who-have-died-angering-those-still-grieving</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1db1sru/twitter_is_silently_deleting_some_suspended/</ref>