Google has introduced a new account verification feature that allows users to sign in to or recover access to their Google accounts using a short selfie video instead of traditional recovery methods.
The feature, called Selfie Video Sign-In, is being rolled out to eligible Google Account users and is available as an optional security feature. According to Google, availability may vary depending on the user's region, account type and rollout schedule.
Users can enable the feature in Google Account > Security & Sign-in by selecting Selfie Video. They are guided through a short video recording, which Google stores as a reference for future account verification.
Record a guided selfie video by following prompts such as turning your head or nodding.
If locked out, record a new selfie video to verify your identity.
Google compares the new recording with the stored reference and uses liveness detection to prevent spoofing with photos or deepfakes.
If the verification is successful, account access is restored.
Google said the feature uses liveness detection to confirm that the video is of a real person rather than a photograph, replayed video or AI-generated deepfake. The company added that the reference video is encrypted, stored only with user consent and used solely for authentication unless users choose otherwise. Users can also delete the stored biometric data at any time through their Google Account settings.
The feature is designed to provide an alternative account recovery option for users who have forgotten their password, lost access to a trusted device or can no longer receive two-factor authentication codes.
The rollout comes as technology companies increasingly adopt biometric verification and liveness detection to strengthen account security amid growing concerns over identity fraud and AI-generated impersonation. Google's new feature also adds to ongoing discussions around the collection, storage and use of biometric data for online authentication.
