Google has confirmed it is testing a new storage policy that will reduce the default cloud capacity for new Gmail accounts from 15GB to 5GB. The change, which applies to a shared storage pool across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos, puts new users in essentially the same tier as Apple’s iCloud unless they take an extra security step. The company said the reduction is part of a regional test to encourage users to improve their account security and data recovery options.
New users must now link and verify a mobile phone number to their account to “unlock” 15GB of free storage, the industry standard for years. Google says this requirement prevents people from getting the maximum free storage multiple times, as a way to crack down on the practice of creating multiple anonymous accounts just to get around storage limits. By tying storage to a verified identity, the tech giant hopes to combat spam and bot activity and tout its “high-quality storage service” and advanced security features.
The move has sparked discussion about user privacy and the “cost” of free services, but the company says the verification process is a tool for better account protection. This 5GB limit currently seems to be an A/B test in certain regions and only for new sign-ups, as existing accounts with the traditional 15GB are unaffected for the time being. But the move could mark the end of an era of free, no-strings-attached cloud storage, as Google aligns its offerings with rising hardware costs and tighter security protocols.
