For years, creating a Google account automatically gave users 15GB of free cloud storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. But now, Google is reportedly testing a major change that could reduce free storage to just 5GB for some new users.

According to reports, new users may only receive 5GB storage unless they link and verify a phone number with their Google account. Once the phone number is verified, the full 15GB storage can reportedly be unlocked at no extra cost. Existing Google users are currently not affected by this change.

Google says the move is aimed at improving account security, helping with recovery options, and reducing fake or spam accounts. The company has also reportedly changed its wording from “15GB free storage” to “up to 15GB free storage,” hinting that the policy may no longer apply equally to everyone.

The update has triggered discussions online, with many users raising concerns about privacy and the growing need for phone verification. Others believe the change is designed to stop people from creating multiple accounts just to get extra free storage.

For now, the feature is only being tested in some regions, but it could become a bigger policy change in the future.