Google launches 'video selfie' for secure account access

Google is enhancing account security with a new "video selfie" feature designed to simplify and strengthen user access. This biometric tool aims to provide a quick and secure alternative when users forget passwords or lose access to traditional verification methods.

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The new video selfie feature uses biometric recognition through a short video to quickly and securely verify user identity.

The process involves a brief initial recording where users follow on-screen instructions to move their head at various angles. In the future, if account access issues arise, users will record another short video. Google's technology then compares the two recordings to confirm the account holder's identity.

To counter potential misuse like "deepfakes," Google has implemented a multi-layered security system. This includes a "liveness test" requiring dynamic, live movements to ensure a real person is being recorded, and secure data encryption for the recorded videos. Google assures users that the video is solely for access verification, remains their property, and can be deleted anytime from their Google Account security settings.

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One of the main challenges of facial biometrics is impersonation through static photos or AI-manipulated videos (so-called deepfakes).

This new video selfie function is being progressively deployed across Latin America. It is already available for accounts in Paraguay, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Users can check their eligibility and set up the feature via a provided link.

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The video selfie recorded is encrypted at rest and stored securely.