Google is rolling out a new sign-in method that lets users verify their identity by recording a selfie video.
The optional feature gives eligible users another way to access their Google Account if they get locked out or no longer have access to their usual phone or computer.
To set it up, users look into their device’s camera and follow a series of prompts asking them to make simple head movements. This captures multiple angles of their face and creates a reference video.
If they struggle to sign in later, they can record another selfie video. Google will compare the new footage with the saved recording to confirm they are the account owner.
Google says selfie sign-ins can detect deepfakes #
Google said it uses several security measures to stop attackers from gaining access with photos, edited footage, or deepfake videos.
The required head movements are intended to prove that the person is recording a live video, while Google’s existing security systems will continue to look for suspicious sign-in attempts.
“When you use a selfie to sign in, we use multiple layers of security to help prevent impersonation attempts like fake photos and videos,” Google explained.
The company acknowledged the obvious privacy questions surrounding the storage of facial data. Google said the reference video is encrypted while stored and will only be used to help the user sign in unless they choose to share it for other purposes.
Users can also delete the video from their Google Account at any time. Nonetheless, for anyone with privacy or biometric data collection concerns, this is unlikely to be their go-to for account recovery.
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“Your selfie video is yours, and you’re in control,” Google added.
The feature is available to eligible accounts, although Google has not detailed exactly what makes a user eligible. Account holders can check their status and begin setting it up through the company’s selfie sign-in page.
Google has introduced several new account recovery options in recent years. In 2024, YouTube launched an AI assistant designed to help eligible creators regain access to hacked channels and reverse unauthorized changes.