Password-Free Access Arrives
Key Highlights
- Google launches Selfie Video Sign-in for Gmail and Google Accounts.
- Users can verify their identity using a short selfie video.
- Helps recover account access even if the password is forgotten.
- Live facial verification adds protection against AI-generated deepfakes.
- Feature will be available under Security & Sign-in settings.
- Users can securely manage or delete their selfie data at any time.
- Aims to make account recovery faster, safer, and more convenient.
New Delhi: Google has unveiled a new Selfie Video Sign-in feature for Gmail and Google Accounts, introducing an additional identity verification method that can help users access their accounts even if they forget their password or lose their primary device.
The new feature allows users to register a short selfie video during setup. While enabling the feature, users will be asked to look into the device’s camera and move their head in different directions, similar to the facial enrollment process used by modern smartphones.
When signing in, users can choose the Selfie Video Sign-in option, where the system captures a new live video and compares it with the previously registered facial data. The verification process also includes live facial movement checks to ensure that the person attempting to log in is physically present, helping prevent spoofing attempts using AI-generated images or deepfake videos.
The feature is expected to improve account recovery, especially in situations where users have forgotten their password, changed devices, or lost access to their registered phone. Once authenticated, users can regain access to Gmail and other Google services more easily without relying solely on traditional recovery methods.
Google says the selfie video is encrypted and stored securely, with users retaining full control over their biometric data. According to the company, the stored video is used only for identity verification unless users explicitly choose otherwise, and it can be deleted from the Google Account settings at any time.
The Selfie Video Sign-in feature will roll out gradually through the Security & Sign-in section of Google Accounts, offering users an additional layer of convenience and security for accessing their accounts.
