Google introduces selfie video as a backup account recovery method

Google has launched a new account recovery feature that allows users to verify their identity using a short selfie video. This tool is designed to serve as a backup option for individuals who find themselves locked out of their accounts or unable to access their primary devices, recovery phone numbers, or email addresses. The feature is currently rolling out to eligible Google Account holders.

To set up the system, users navigate to the security settings within their Google Account and select the selfie video option. The process requires users to record a brief video while performing guided head movements, which allows the system to capture multiple angles of the face. If a user later loses access to their account, they may be prompted to record a new, live video that the system compares against the original saved recording to confirm their identity.

The company has implemented several security measures to protect against unauthorized access, including the use of liveness checks to distinguish between a real person and static images or AI-generated deepfakes. Google states that the recorded videos are encrypted at rest and are used exclusively for authentication purposes. Users are advised to remove items such as hats, masks, or sunglasses during the recording process and to ensure the background is free of visual distractions.

Participation in the feature is optional, and users maintain control over their data. The saved selfie video can be deleted from account settings at any time, which immediately revokes its use for recovery. Additionally, users can choose whether to allow Google to use their video data to improve facial recognition and identity verification technologies, a setting that can be toggled on or off at the user's discretion.

The selfie video recovery method is not available for all users. Google has confirmed that the feature is excluded from Google Workspace accounts, child accounts, and any accounts currently enrolled in the company's Advanced Protection Program. For devices lacking a camera, the system can facilitate the process by handing off the recording task to another device via a QR code.