Google announced on Thursday that it is rolling out a new sign-in option for Google Accounts that uses a short selfie video to verify identity. The feature is intended as an alternative way to access accounts when users are locked out or do not have their usual phone or computer available.
During initial setup, the user is prompted to look into the device camera and follow guided head movements so the device can capture the face from multiple angles. At subsequent sign-ins, the user records another short selfie video, which the system compares to the stored reference video to confirm identity.
Data handling and user controls
Google stated the stored selfie video is encrypted at rest and retained only with the user’s consent. Account holders can remove the stored video at any time via their Google Account settings. According to the company, the video will be used solely for sign-in purposes unless a user explicitly opts to allow additional uses.
Security measures
The company said it employs multiple layers of security to reduce the risk of impersonation, including defenses against static fake photos and synthetically generated deepfakes. The sign-in flow requires users to perform simple movements during the verification video to establish that the recording is live and not a replay or a fabricated clip.
Google directs users to verify whether their account is eligible and to set up the feature at g.co/signin-selfie. The selfie video option will exist alongside other sign-in methods the company already offers, such as passkeys and recovery contacts.
Contextual note - The announcement describes how the feature functions and the controls available to users; it does not provide details here about which accounts will be eligible or a rollout timeline beyond the eligibility check referenced at the setup link.