Google rolls out new selfie video sign-in feature

Google is enhancing account security and recovery options with a new selfie video sign-in feature. This allows users to verify their identity by recording a brief video of themselves performing specific head movements, which Google captures from multiple angles.

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Google has today launched a new selfie video sign-in feature, allowing users another option to log in to their accounts or recover them in case they are locked out due to forgotten passwords or lack of access to their preferred devices.

This recorded video will then be used to authenticate users during future sign-in attempts. The company suggests this method could offer stronger protection against fraud and improve account recovery, particularly when users lose access to their devices. It provides an alternative to traditional methods like trusted devices, phone numbers, and two-factor authentication.

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Google will then save the recording and use it to authenticate the live videos that users upload during their sign-in attempts later on.

However, the introduction of biometric data collection through selfie videos is likely to spark privacy discussions. Google assures users that the video is stored only with their explicit consent and can be deleted at any time from their Google account. The company states the video will be used solely for sign-in purposes unless the user opts in for other uses.

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While the new feature could provide stronger protection against fraud and better account recovery options for users, especially in cases of lost or stolen devices, it could also raise some concerns around privacy and biometric data collection.

To combat potential misuse, Google employs several security checks, including comparing new recordings with the saved video and requiring live movements to detect sophisticated attempts like deepfakes. The feature is available to eligible Google Account users starting today.

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Google said that the selfie video is stored with the user's consent, and the user has the option to delete it at any time in their Google account.