Google is introducing a new account recovery option that allows eligible users to verify their identity with a selfie video.
The optional feature gives users another way to regain access to their Google Account if they lose access to their usual phone or computer.
To enable it, users record a short selfie video by following on-screen prompts that ask them to make simple head movements. Google stores this encrypted recording as a reference for future identity verification.
If the user is locked out later, they can record a new selfie video. Google compares it with the saved reference video to confirm the person is the account owner.
According to Google, the feature uses multiple security checks to prevent attackers from using photos, edited videos, or AI-generated deepfakes to bypass verification.
The required head movements help confirm the video is being recorded live, while Google's existing security systems continue monitoring for suspicious sign-in activity.
“When you use a selfie to sign in, we use multiple layers of security to help prevent impersonation attempts like fake photos and videos,” Google said.
Google also addressed privacy concerns, stating that the reference video is encrypted while stored and is only used for account verification unless the user explicitly chooses to share it for other purposes.
Users can delete the stored selfie video from their Google Account at any time. However, people with concerns about biometric data or privacy may still prefer other recovery methods.
The feature is currently available only to eligible accounts, though Google has not explained the criteria for eligibility. Users can check whether they have access through Google's selfie sign-in settings page.
The launch follows Google's broader effort to expand account recovery tools. In 2024, YouTube also introduced an AI-powered assistant to help eligible creators recover hacked channels and undo unauthorized account changes.