Google has introduced selfie video verification as a new account recovery method for users who lose access to their primary phone or computer.
The feature allows users to record a short video while following guided prompts to move their head and capture their face from several angles.
If they later encounter difficulty signing in, they can submit another selfie video, which Google compares with the previously enrolled recording to verify their identity.
“Selfie video gives people more options to access their accounts, especially if they are ever locked out or don’t have access to their primary phone or computer,” Google said.
The company said the saved video is recorded and stored only with the user’s consent and can be deleted through the user’s Google Account. It is encrypted while stored and is used for sign-in verification unless the user agrees to other purposes.
Google said the system uses several security checks to detect attempts involving photographs, prerecorded videos, and deepfakes.
Aside from comparing the submitted recording with the enrolled selfie video, it requires users to perform specified movements as a test that the person is present during verification.
“When they use a selfie to sign in, Google uses multiple layers of security to help prevent impersonation attempts like fake photos and videos,” the company said.
Google will also apply its existing security systems to flag suspicious sign-in activity. The company continues to recommend that users configure multiple sign-in and recovery methods instead of relying on a single device or credential.
