Google new policies

 Google's new policies about WhatsApp and Gmail etc

From1st December this year, Google is all set to introduce new policies aimed at enhancing security and optimising storage. These policies involve the deletion of Google accounts which have remained unused or not accessed for a minimum of two years, along with associated content like Gmail, Photos, Drive documents, Contacts and more. This strategic move is part of Google's broader initiative to bolster security and storage. It excludes school and business accounts to safeguard their data.

Google emphasises its commitment to user communication by promising multiple notifications before initiating the account deletion process. The affected services include Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Calendar, and Photos. However, accounts containing YouTube or Blogger content are exempted from the deletion protocol. Users have been strongly recommended to engage in activities to prevent account deletion, as the deletion process will commence on December 1, 2023.

In a related note, WhatsApp users have been encountering errors regarding chat backups. Typically stored in Google Drive, Google's new update affects WhatsApp backups in Android. This policy, effective from the start of 2024, will calculate the storage capacity of WhatsApp backup files on Google Drive.  Users with substantial chat storage may need to consider purchasing Google One expanded storage to avoid issues. Before this, Google Drive only accounted for storage related to Google Photos and Gmail. However, from the Next Year, WhatsApp backup file sizes will also be factored into Google Drive storage calculations.

If you have extensive chat storage, it is advisable to manage and potentially delete unnecessary images, videos and files to avoid the need for additional subscription storage. Specifically, the profile info will be visible when the contact is offline, alternating with the last seen if it’s available. Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will display profile information within users' conversations under the contact name on Android. "It's worth noting that the initiative to enhance visibility of the profile info in conversations underscores WhatsApp’s responsiveness to user feedback and preferences," the report noted.

Instead of navigating to the chat info screen, this new feature will allow users to quickly see the profile information within the chat. It will also improves visibility in case users have recently updated their profile info, ensuring that others in the conversation are promptly aware of any changes. The new feature is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is introducing a new voice chat feature that will be a less disruptive method to connect with large groups on the platform. Voice chats allow you to instantly talk live with members of a group chat while still being able to message in the group. Now, once you start the voice chat, group members will receive a push notification to join instead of a call. There will also be an in-chat bubble they can tap to join the discussion.