Google cuts free Gmail storage in half for new users
Google has implemented a significant reduction in the free storage offered by Gmail to new users. From 15 GB, the available space dropped to just 5 GB without any prior announcement from the company.
The change was identified by a user on Reddit through a screenshot that showed the initial limit being halved. Novos users can reclaim an additional 10GB, up to the original 15GB, as long as they add a verified phone number to their Google account.
Redução only affects new accounts
Usuários already registered keep the initial 15 GB intact. The change applies exclusively to those who create an Gmail account from now on. The default limit remains at 5 GB until the account owner takes action to add a valid phone number to unlock the remaining 10 GB.
The official Gmail support page does not yet formally list this new policy for new users, which reinforces the silent nature of the implementation.
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Possíveis reasons for change
Especialistas point out three main motivations for the reduction:
- Redução of operational costs related to cloud storage
- Combate to spam and inactive accounts consuming space without verification
- Coleta personal data by requiring telephone number
Android Authority suggests the change could be part of an ongoing A/B test on Google’s servers. Esses testing allows the company to validate strategies in specific groups before global implementations.
User Verification Estratégia
The requirement to add a phone number to recover full space represents a significant change in Gmail’s onboarding policy. Historicamente, the service allowed creating accounts with just an email address and password, without additional verification requirements.
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Contass that are inactive or created automatically by bots often pose a problem for email infrastructures. Essas accounts take up space without generating advertising revenue and increase maintenance costs.
Impacto for users
Quem wants to keep the 15 GB of storage will have two options: use an old Google account or complete the phone verification process on new accounts. Usuários who prefer not to share a phone number will be limited to the initial 5 GB.
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Essa limitation mainly affects users from regions where data privacy is a central concern. Fornecer phone number to technology companies poses potential risk of identity theft and spam.
Histórico changes to Google
Gmail has undergone several transformations since its launch in 2004. The expansion of free storage from 1 GB to 15 GB happened in 2012 and has remained stable for almost 14 years. Essa is the first major reduction in free quota since then.
Outros Google services also faced similar restrictions. Google Drive, Photos and Meet have undergone adjustments in free limits in recent years, reflecting the company’s tendency to more aggressively monetize its products.
