Google’s ‘Selfie Video’ literally turns your face into a key for your account
What you need to know
- Google introduces Selfie Video, a new secure sign-in method to log into your account.
- Users will be required to set up a Selfie Video initially, running through Google’s guided instructions before it’s saved.
- Signing into your account with Selfie Video will compare your new recording with the initial one for verification.
As far as device security goes, or even account security, biometrics are unique. Google wants to advance that by using your face.
Google announced that it’s adding a new way for users to sign into their accounts this week. Selfie Video is a method that will join Google’s more security-conscious methods for account sign-in. Setting up Selfie Video is fairly straightforward. Google says it will walk you through the head movements you need to make so its software can “capture multiple angles” of your face. The Selfie Video you record initially is the original.
After you’re done and you’re looking to sign into your account, you can record a “new” Selfie Video. Google says it will compare the current video to your first one to verify you.
There are a few other ways users can sign into their Google Accounts. The company states Selfie Videos are here in case you’re locked out. If you’ve forgotten your password or “don’t have access to your usual phone or computer,” Selfie Video could help. Security—personal privacy, really—is an area Google knows is important to users. The announcement highlights the user’s control over their video.
Your capture will be saved (and encrypted) on Google’s servers “with your consent.” Google says your video is saved for sign-in purposes “unless you opt to share it for additional purposes.” What’s more, users can delete their saved video at any time. It adds that when you call on Selfie Video for verification, Google deploys several layers of defense to protect your account from deep fakes, fake photos, and videos.
If Selfie Videos are your jam, you can get it set up.
Take a selfie
Android Central’s Take
The good thing is that Selfie Video for Google Accounts is familiar. We’re very familiar with Face Unlock and Face ID (Apple’s version). It gives a similar vibe, for sure. Google did mention that Selfie Video can be used alongside recovery contacts, which also helps if you’re ever locked out. It’s a good idea. I know the idea of having your face stored on Google’s servers might not sit well with everyone, but at least the option’s there.
Passkeys are probably the most recognizable “strong” sign-in method that Google Accounts offer users. We’ve had passkeys as an option for personal accounts since 2023. The idea is to give passwords a nice (quiet) way out. Of course, you can still sign into your account with your password, but Google’s kept pushing passkeys. This new security tech is reportedly 40% faster than typing your password. Passkeys were developed with the FIDO Alliance and are used across websites and apps.
Another good reason to rely on a passkey is that it can’t be phished or stolen. Plus, you don’t have to remember anything (phew!). It’s worth remembering that since passkeys are a new security method, they’ve got their issues.
