Microsoft has decided to drastically cut the storage space offered through OneDrive after a small number of users were caught abusing the service, allegedly backing up more than 75 TB to one unlimited account "in some instances".
The storage space reductions have widespread consequences for all OneDrive users. Free users are hit the hardest, with their storage space being cut from 15 GB to 5 GB. This sends OneDrive's free offering below competitors such as Google Drive, who continue to offer 15 GB for free to all users.
The camera roll bonus of 15 GB is also being cut, with all changes to free storage coming into effect in early 2016. For anyone using more than 5 GB of free storage at that point, Microsoft will offer a free one-year Office 365 Personal subscription with 1 TB of storage, although a credit card is required.
Microsoft is also removing the 100 GB and 200 GB paid plans for new users, replacing them with a single 50 GB plan that will cost $1.99 per month. These changes will come into effect in early 2016, although current paid customers will not be affected.
By cutting 100 GB and 200 GB plans, Google Drive once again comes out ahead in storage value, as they offer 100 GB for $1.99 per month, as well as 1 TB ($9.99 per month) and 10 TB ($99.99 per month) plans.
For everyone on an Office 365 account, unlimited storage is being replaced with 1 TB of storage, starting immediately. If you're currently storing more than 1 TB in your OneDrive account, Microsoft will notify you, and you'll be able to keep your files stored for "at least" 12 months.
Microsoft claims these changes "are needed to ensure that we can continue to deliver a collaborative, connected, and intelligent service", but it's hard not to feel like every OneDrive user is being punished for some users abusing the unlimited storage option.