Google updates Android backup policy to count all data toward storage cap

Google has announced an update to its Android backup policy, which will start counting all backup data toward the storage limit on Google accounts. This change will take effect on July 7 and will apply to new Android users immediately. Current users will see the change roll out in the coming months.

The update is expected to add an average of 40MB to users' storage usage. To give users more control over their data, Google is introducing new controls that allow users to select which data and apps to back up. These controls will be accessible under the hardware's backups menu.

This change is part of Google's ongoing adjustments to its storage policies. In May, the company began testing a reduced default free storage limit for new accounts, cutting the max from 15GB to 5GB unless the user linked their phone number.

Google's spokesperson stated that the company wants to provide users with more transparency and control over their data. The update aims to help users manage their storage usage more effectively and make informed decisions about which data to back up.