Jakarta, INTI - Google has begun limiting free cloud storage for some new users. While previously every Google account automatically received 15GB of free storage, in some regions, users now only receive 5GB unless they link a phone number to their account.
This policy change was first discovered by a Reddit user and later confirmed by Google to Android Authority. Google stated that the policy is being tested on accounts created in certain regions to maintain the quality of storage services.
“We’re testing a new storage policy for new accounts created in select regions that will help us continue to provide a high-quality storage service to our users, while encouraging users to improve their account security and data recovery,” Google said.
Currently, Google accounts offer 15GB of free cloud storage, which can be used for various services such as Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Photos, and user-uploaded files. However, some new users are now required to add a phone number to gain full access to the 15GB.
Up To 15GB Will be Added After Linking Phone Number
In a screenshot shared by the Reddit user, Google stated that linking a phone number is necessary to ensure that additional storage is only granted once to each user. The user claimed to have encountered the page while creating a new Gmail account. Google offers 5GB of free storage, while up to 15GB can be added free of charge after linking a phone number.
Google has not yet disclosed the regions affected by this new policy. However, Android Authority reports that some users in Africa are starting to experience the change. In tests conducted by Android Authority in India on iOS and desktop devices, it also showed that the Google account creation process cannot be completed without a phone number.
Google has also changed the wording on its support page from "Your Google account comes with 15GB of free cloud storage" to "Your Google account comes with up to 15GB of free cloud storage."
It is unclear whether this new policy is related to the increasing global need for storage capacity due to the surge in demand for AI data centers. Previously, Google also discontinued unlimited photo storage in Google Photos in 2021 and began counting all Google services towards the free 15GB quota.
Conclusion
Google has begun limiting free cloud storage for some new users to 5GB. To access the full 15GB, users are now required to link a phone number to their Google account. This policy, currently being tested in several regions, is said to improve account security and ensure that additional storage is only granted once per user.
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