When GCS object versioning is enabled, every overwrite or delete operation creates a new noncurrent version. Without a lifecycle rule to manage old versions, they persist indefinitely. Over time, this results in: * Accumulation of outdated data * Unnecessary storage costs, especially in Standard or Nearline classes * Lack of visibility into what is still needed vs. legacy debris This issue often goes unnoticed in environments with frequent data updates or automated processes (e.g., logs, models, config snapshots).
Storage costs accrue based on: * Total volume of data stored (including noncurrent object versions) * Storage class (e.g., Standard, Nearline, Coldline, Archive) * Retention of object versions, regardless of access patterns Versioned buckets retain every object version until explicitly deleted or transitioned, leading to silent growth in storage usage if no lifecycle policy is enforced.
