Google now lets you sign in to your account using a selfie video
Google is introducing a new account recovery feature that allows users to sign in by recording a short selfie video to verify their identity. The system uses encrypted cloud storage and movement prompts to prevent deepfake or photo-based impersonation attempts.
Why it matters
This represents a shift toward biometric authentication as a primary recovery method, raising questions about privacy and the security of facial data.
Google announced yet another way to gain access to your account if you get locked out, forget your password, or don’t have access to the phone, computer, or two-factor authentication apps you typically use. As the name implies, selfie video lets you capture a short video of your face on a mobile device or PC, which is then compared to an earlier video that Google keeps on file to confirm you’re the account owner.
Setting up the selfie video feature simply requires you to look at your device’s camera and follow a series of onscreen prompts that guide you through simple head movements to ensure multiple angles of your face are captured. It’s similar to the setup procedures for security features like Apple’s Face ID, but without the need for added infrared light.
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