I read that washing machines had a big impact, manual washing of clothes could take a full day of work.

Not true. 2∞ is not bigger or smaller than ∞. This is explained by Hilbert’s hotel. And subtracting infinity from infinity is undefined so you do not get 0 = ∞.

That is true, in the GDPR, processing is defined as follows(Art 4): “‘processing’ means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction;” And a data beach is defined as follows: “‘personal data breach’ means a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data transmitted, stored or otherwise processed;” And article 5 says: “processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures (‘integrity and confidentiality’).”

There is still legitimate use, as you still have the account and an accidental or unlawful deletion is a data breach.

Deletion of personal data without consent or lawful base is also a violation of the GDPR.