Google Reduces Free Storage for New Users Without Phone Verification.

Google has announced a major change to its free cloud storage policy, reducing the default free storage allocation for new users from 15GB to 5GB unless they complete phone number verification.

Previously, Google offered 15GB of free storage shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos for all users. Under the new policy, new accounts will initially receive only 5GB of free storage space.

According to Google, users can unlock the full 15GB storage limit by verifying their account with a mobile phone number. The company says the decision is aimed at reducing fake accounts, spam activity, and automated bot registrations.

Google explained that stronger verification systems are becoming increasingly necessary as online platforms face rising abuse from fake profiles and malicious automated systems.

However, the update has triggered privacy concerns among some users and digital rights advocates. Critics argue that mandatory phone verification could increase data tracking and raise concerns about personal information security.

Some users have also questioned whether linking mobile numbers to online accounts could lead to greater data collection or targeted advertising practices.

Google clarified that existing accounts will not be affected by the change. The new policy currently applies mainly to newly created Google accounts, which will start with 5GB and later gain access to the remaining storage after completing verification.

The announcement comes as cloud storage demand continues to grow globally, driven by increasing usage of email services, online backups, smartphones, and AI-powered digital tools.

Industry analysts say many major technology companies are tightening account verification policies in order to strengthen security systems and reduce misuse of free online services.

Ask.com Officially Shuts Down: A Former Google Rival Ends Its Journey.

The once-popular search engine Ask.com has officially been shut down, marking the end of a platform that once competed with Google in the early days of the internet. Launched in 1997, Ask.com—originally known as Ask Jeeves—was created by Garrett Gruener and David Warthen. It became famous for allowing users to type full questions in natural language, introducing the concept of “conversational search.”

Ask Jeeves was one of the first platforms to understand user queries in a more human-like way. This approach helped it gain global attention during the early internet era. In 2005, the company was acquired by IAC, which later removed the “Jeeves” branding and rebranded the service as Ask.com.

By 2010, the rise of Google’s advanced search algorithms significantly reduced Ask.com’s market share. As a result, the platform shifted away from core search services and focused more on a question-and-answer model.

Eventually, IAC announced the closure of the search division, stating that it was refocusing its business strategy.Ask.com was also known as the official search tool for NASCAR at one point. However, over time, it became more of a nostalgic symbol of the early internet era rather than a competitive search engine.Despite its closure, Ask.com is remembered as a pioneer of conversational search technology. Its approach laid the foundation for modern AI-driven search and virtual assistants. Today, it remains an important part of internet history.