Google is moving to expand the use of selfie videos as an additional means of verifying the identity of account holders, in a move aimed at making it easier to regain access to the account when the usual login methods are lost. The company had announced the feature last July, before starting to promote it more clearly to more users this September.
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According to Google, users can pre-record a selfie video in their account settings by looking at the camera and making simple head movements that capture their face from different angles. If they are later unable to log in, the company may ask them to record a new video using the same method, then compare the face in the new video to the face in the saved video to verify their identity.
This does not mean that Google is replacing passwords or passkeys in this way, which the company describes as an additional means of account recovery in cases such as loss of access to the usual device or failure to log in.
The official support page explains that the feature is not available for all regions, accounts, or devices, and it is currently not possible to set up a selfie video for Google Workspace accounts, children's accounts, or accounts enrolled in the Advanced Protection Program.
Google relies on verifying that the video is real.
The verification mechanism does not rely solely on facial comparison. Google says it uses multiple layers of protection to try to prevent identity theft using fake photos or videos, including deepfake techniques. The user must perform a specific movement during recording to help prove that the video depicts a real person, and not a pre-made photo or recording.
In its explanation accompanying the feature's launch, Google noted that selfie videos can also help verify that a user is a real person, and in some cases, this is related to accessing certain features or services. The support page clarifies that these uses may include verifying that the account was not created or used by automated programs for the purpose of abuse.
What happens to facial data?
Google says that the selfie video is recorded with the user's consent and stored securely and encryptedly, and the user can delete it from their account. The company also says that the video is intended to help with login, unless the user chooses to allow it to be used for additional purposes.
The official support page reveals an optional setting that allows users to permit Google to use selfie videos and associated data to help develop and improve facial recognition, age estimation, and identity verification technologies based on facial features or movements. Users can revoke this permission later.
Google also explains that deleting the selfie video may take some time, and the company may keep it for a short period for security reasons, while the retention period may be longer if the account has violated Google's policies.
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