Google Reduces Default Free Cloud Storage to 5 GB for Unverified New Accounts
What Happened — Google is testing a policy that limits the default free storage for newly created Google accounts to 5 GB unless the user completes phone verification, at which point the full 15 GB becomes available. The change applies only to a subset of new accounts during the test phase.
Why It Matters for TPRM —
- Reduced storage may affect third‑party SaaS integrations that rely on Google Drive for data exchange or backup.
- Phone‑verification requirement introduces an additional identity‑verification step that could impact onboarding timelines for vendors and partners.
- Changes to cloud service quotas can alter cost‑model calculations and risk assessments for downstream customers.
Who Is Affected — Cloud‑based SaaS providers, enterprises using Google Workspace, MSPs that provision Google accounts for clients, and end‑users relying on free Drive storage.
Recommended Actions — Review contractual storage guarantees with Google, update onboarding checklists to include phone‑verification steps, reassess cost‑impact for any workloads that depend on free Drive storage, and monitor Google communications for rollout status.
Technical Notes — No vulnerability or exploit is involved; the change is a policy adjustment announced by Google. Affected data types include any files stored in Google Drive under the free tier. Source: TechRepublic Security