Google Tests Cutting Free Storage to 5GB for New Users, Sparks Privacy and Pricing Debate
ISLAMABAD
Google is reportedly testing a major shift in its long-standing cloud storage policy by reducing free storage for new accounts from 15GB to just 5GB, in a move that could reshape how millions of users access Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos services.
According to international tech reports, the trial policy applies to select regions and offers users the option to unlock the full 15GB storage limit only after linking a verified phone number to their account.
Under the current test, new users who do not provide phone verification are limited to 5GB of free storage, while verified users retain access to the standard 15GB shared across Google services.
The change marks a notable departure from Google’s decade-old offering, which has long positioned its free 15GB storage tier as a key competitive advantage in the global cloud market.
Industry reports suggest the move is aimed at reducing fake account creation and improving account security and recovery systems. However, it has also triggered criticism online, with users arguing that the policy effectively pushes people toward sharing more personal data or subscribing to paid storage plans.
The test comes at a time when digital storage demand is rapidly increasing due to higher-resolution media, AI tools and expanded cloud-based workflows used by students, freelancers and businesses worldwide.
Analysts say even a limited rollout could significantly impact user behavior, especially in emerging markets where additional paid storage is often unaffordable and mobile data costs remain high.
Google has not announced a global rollout of the policy, and existing users remain unaffected. The company is expected to review feedback from the ongoing trial before deciding whether to expand or modify the change.
If implemented broadly, the move could mark one of the most significant adjustments to Google’s consumer storage model in years, potentially accelerating competition in the cloud services market, where companies like Apple and Microsoft also offer tightly integrated storage ecosystems.
