Google users have been issued a warning as the software giant is set to delete thousands of Gmail accounts.
The account clear out will leave many people without access to popular platforms such as YouTube. The move is being made in a bid to tighten security, with accounts to be deleted from December this year.
According to a warning from Google, accounts will be deleted if they have not be used for two years or more as they tend to rely on "compromised" passwords.
Google said: "People want the products and services they use online to be safe and secure. Which is why we have invested in technology and tools to protect our users from security threats, like spam, phishing scams and account hijacking.
"Even with these protections, if an account hasn't been used for an extended period of time, it is more likely to be compromised.
"This is because 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."
The first accounts to be deleted will be those that were created but then never used, with Google explaining that notifications will be set before deletion.
There is a way to protect your account from the clear out, though. All you must do is sign in and send an email.
Google added: "We are going to roll this out slowly and carefully, with plenty of notice."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
