Google is reportedly experimenting with a new policy for its free cloud storage. Those signing up for a new Google account may not be given 15GB of free storage as before, with some users now getting only 5GB unless they add and verify their phone number. It was first brought to light by a Reddit user and confirmed in a statement to Android Authority.
What Google said about the proposal?
Google said it is testing a new storage policy in specific regions with the goal of maintaining a high-quality storage service while also promoting better account security and data recovery.
It has not confirmed a plan to roll it out globally, and the new storage policy seems to apply only to new accounts.
How does the new storage policy work?
Google traditionally offers users 15GB of free storage shared between Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, and other services. This has been one of the biggest perks of having a Google account. Some find the new Google test account default limit to be 5GB
Under the new test account system, many have found the default limit is indeed 5GB. To get the full 15GB, all the new account users must be verifying a phone number.
So why would Google want phone number verification?
“Google says requiring phone number verification will help ensure that storage benefits are ‘added only once per person,’” presumably to prevent people from creating fake accounts and exploiting free storage offers.
They’re also saying it’s a security measure to help users recover accounts easier if they lose them.
Which users are affected?
It’s likely this is still in the testing phase in certain regions, as some users, such as in Africa, have noticed the change. Users in India have reported similar stories, such as being prompted for phone verification during the setup process in some cases.
Existing Google accounts are not impacted, and keep the standard 15GB free storage.
Is Google really cutting down on storage?
As of now, Google has not officially confirmed that they are permanently cutting down on free storage; they only call it an experiment.
Some reports say that this is due to increased costs and demand from AI data centers, but Google has never confirmed that.
The policy is still in testing; Google will likely look at user experience before making a decision on whether to roll it out globally or change the requirements.
Until then, new users of the affected regions will probably have a smaller 5GB free limit unless they verify their phone number for the actual 15GB storage.
