Key facts
- Google has launched a global selfie video sign-in feature for its accounts.
- Users record a short video with guided head movements for setup and recovery.
- The feature aims to provide an alternative login and recovery method.
- Google states videos are encrypted, securely stored, and user-deletable.
- The feature is not available for Workspace accounts, child accounts, or accounts in the Advanced Protection Program.
Google has launched a new security feature that allows users to sign in to their accounts using a selfie video. This method is intended to provide an additional option for account recovery, particularly for users who are locked out or do not have access to their usual devices. The setup process involves recording a short video with guided head movements, which Google uses to verify identity. The company emphasizes that the selfie videos are stored securely, encrypted, and under user control, with options to delete the data at any time. Google also employs multiple security layers, including liveness detection and risk assessment, to protect against impersonation attempts and deepfakes. This new feature builds upon existing sign-in options such as passkeys and recovery contacts. Google recommends setting up the selfie video option proactively, as it cannot be added during an account recovery process. The feature is not available for Workspace accounts, child accounts, or any account enrolled in Google’s Advanced Protection Program.