Google has confirmed it is experimenting with a new account registration policy in select regions that could significantly reduce the amount of free storage provided to new Gmail users.
While the standard offering has long been 15GB of free storage, new users in certain parts of the world are reporting that their starting quota has been slashed to just 5GB. However, there is a catch: users can “reclaim” the missing 10GB by providing Google with their phone number.
The Trade-off: Privacy for Storage
Screenshots shared by users on Reddit and other online forums reveal a new step in the account creation process. By default, the account starts with 5GB. To unlock the full 15GB, users must opt-in to share their phone number with the tech giant.
In a statement provided to Android Authority, Google confirmed the testing phase:
“We are testing a new storage policy for new accounts created in certain regions that will help us continue to provide high-quality storage services to our users, while encouraging users to improve their account security and data recovery.”
Security vs. Data Collection
Google’s official stance frames this as a security initiative, suggesting that a linked phone number facilitates better account recovery and two-factor authentication. However, the move has sparked a wave of criticism online.
Many users view the experiment as a coercive tactic to gather more personal data. By locking a significant portion of the “standard” storage behind a data-sharing wall, critics argue that Google is forcing users to choose between their privacy and a functional amount of cloud space.
Key Details and Uncertainties
Location: Google has not disclosed which specific regions are participating in this test.
Duration: It remains unclear how long this experiment will last or if it will eventually become a global standard.
Existing Accounts: Currently, this policy only targets new account sign-ups; existing users’ 15GB quotas appear unaffected for now.
This development follows a broader trend of “freemium” services tightening their belts, as cloud storage costs rise and tech companies seek more verified user data to combat bot accounts and improve targeted security.
Do you think this move is a fair exchange for better security, or is it an unnecessary push for more personal data?
