Google may stop free Gmail storage service unless users share this personal information
Google is reportedly testing a controversial new policy that could reduce free cloud storage for new users from 15GB to just 5GB unless they add a phone number to their account.
For years, Google has offered 15GB of free storage shared across Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive for every new account. However, the tech giant has now confirmed that it is experimenting with a new system in select regions where users initially receive only 5GB of storage space.
According to the company, the remaining 10GB will only be unlocked after users verify their account by adding a phone number. Google told Android Authority that the move is currently limited to new accounts in certain countries and is still in the testing phase.
Existing Google account holders will not be affected, and their free 15GB storage allocation will remain unchanged.
Google said the change is aimed at improving account security and helping users recover their data more easily. The company stated that the policy would help it “continue to provide a high quality storage service” while encouraging stronger account verification.
The development has sparked criticism online, with some users accusing Google of pressuring people into sharing more personal data. A Reddit discussion highlighted growing concerns over privacy, with one user describing the move as “bribery for your data,” while another claimed users were effectively “paying for privacy” by refusing to link their phone numbers.
Although Google officially says phone numbers are optional when creating an account, users have previously reported being asked to verify accounts with mobile numbers in certain situations, particularly when suspicious or spam-like activity is detected.
The reported test comes amid a broader push by tech companies toward stricter identity and age verification systems, as online platforms increasingly require users to confirm their identities for security and content moderation purposes.