Twitter is starting the process of cleaning up the usernames. This process is due to the presence of a large number of inactive users on the platform. Twitter will remove your account if you haven't logged in the platform for more than 6 months.
If we see this move by social media giant, this is not the 1st time that a platform is doing the cleanup process. In 2013, we have seen the same move by Yahoo. So, this is not usual.
While trying to further investigate the issue we dove deep. Then we found out that Twitter has an inactive account policy. Here on this page, it is clearly written that " We encourage people to actively log in and use Twitter when they register an account. To keep your account active, be sure to log in and Tweet at least every 6 months. Accounts may be permanently removed due to prolonged inactivity. "
After this there is a question how will the activity of an account be determined? Twitter has also an answer on this which is in the image below.
The Verge being a reputable source in the tech industry went a step ahead and asked the spokesperson of Twitter by email. " As part of our commitment to serving the public conversation, we’re working to clean up inactive accounts to present more accurate, credible information people can trust across Twitter. Part of this effort is encouraging people to actively log-in and use Twitter when they register an account, as stated in our inactive accounts policy, " Source: The Verge.
How soon will cleaned usernames be available?
The cleanup process will not be an overnight process. It will take several months for twitter to remove inactive accounts. After this removed usernames will be available for new users to signup.
There is another thing worth noting that after the availability of new usernames, users won't be able to sign up if the username is less than or equal to 5 characters.
Twitter will remove the account? Without notifying?
No, Twitter is sending emails to the users who are inactive for more than 6 months. If you want to save your Twitter account, you should look for the following email in your inbox. The subject line " Don't lose access to @(username).". It says:
Hello,
To continue using Twitter, you’ll need to agree to the current Terms, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Use. This not only lets you make the best decisions about the information that you share with us, it also allows you to keep using your Twitter account. But first, you need to log in and follow the on-screen prompts before Dec. 11, 2019, otherwise your account will be removed from Twitter.
However, it is not clear that will Twitter keep your removed account in its database or permanently delete it. The daily tech section will keep you updated with this type of news.
