Google expands account security with selfie video verification
Google is now offering users the option to record a selfie video as an extra backup method to access their Google account in case they ever get locked out.
A username and password, passkey, security access code via a third-party authenticator app, or Google prompt: there are several ways to secure and log in to your Google account and protect your personal information, photos, videos, documents, and other files.
Setting up one or more login methods could come in handy when you’re ever locked out of your Google account, or don’t have access to your usual phone or computer.
Google is adding a new way to sign in: a selfie video. Google’s latest security and authentication feature uses a short video of your face to verify that you're a real person.
“This extra confirmation helps us verify that the account owner is a real person and that the account wasn't created or used by computer programs or bots for the purpose of abuse, like spamming,” Google says on its support page.
To set up a selfie video, you first have to log in to your Google account and go to the selfie video page. There you’ll have to complete a few short, guided head movements to capture your face from multiple angles (the sides and the front).
The selfie video feature uses multiple layers of security to prevent scammers from impersonating you with fake photos and videos, such as deepfakes.
When you try to sign in to your Google account using a selfie video, you’re required to do some simple head movements to prove it’s a live video. This video is compared to the selfie video you previously recorded. When there’s a match, you’ll gain access to your account.
Additionally, standard security practices to detect suspicious sign-in attempts are in place. And lastly, selfie videos are encrypted, meaning that they’re securely stored even when they’re not being used.
“Your selfie video is yours and you’re in control. It is recorded and securely stored with your consent, and you can delete it at any time in your Google Account. It’s used only for helping you sign in, unless you opt to share it for additional purposes,” Google explains in a blog post.
Before shooting a selfie video, Google recommends removing sunglasses, masks, or hats. Also, your nose, eyes, and mouth must be visible at all times. Lastly, you can’t have any people or faces of people in the background, for example, from a painting or movie poster.
Google is gradually rolling out its selfie video feature to all users worldwide.