Google Turns Your Selfie Video Into Your Account Key

Google has a a new way for users to log into their account: a selfie video.

If you lost your device and locked out into your Google account, you know it can seem like a desperate, Kafkaesque way to get access and get back—especially for people who manage their digital lives, from emails to calendar appointments, on Google programs. This new sign-in method is an additional way to unlock your Google account, like a spare key hidden in the bush.

“We always encourage you to create multiple strategies,” said Claire Forszt, Google’s marketing manager who focuses on content and engagement. “Selfie is the newest option in the series available to users. It is designed to help especially those who are at risk of not being able to use the device your passport may be.” Other ways to access your account include using recovery numbers and backup codes.

I was able to make my own selfie video less than five minutes, and the process was straightforward. Open yours Google account and choice Security & access tab. Then scroll down to How you log in to Google part. If the selfie login is available for your account, you will see it as a new option at the bottom. Google is in the process of rolling this out globally to more accounts.

Courtesy of Reece Rogers

I recorded my selfie video on the iPhone, and Google accepted it on my first try. It encourages you to keep your face in focus and eyes pointing at the camera in steady lighting. It also encourages you to be the only face seen in the art; even the family photo hanging behind you won’t go away. As instructed by Google, I slowly lifted my chin and stared at the ceiling for a second before bringing my head back to center. Then he asked me to look at the camera for a final touch. Finally, it confirmed the selfie video and kept it down Security Preferences.

Google says it is protecting its users deepfake attack and tools such as life awareness. “There may be times when uploading a selfie video alone may not be enough to get you back into your account if we suspect there is a problem,” says Forszt. “We assess the overall risk based on a number of factors.”

If you think you want to enable this option, it is important to install it before you need it. “You can’t add a selfie video if you’re locked out of your account or you’re doing account recovery,” it reads. Google support page about appearance.

Google gives users an option during the creation of selfie videos to choose to enter the recording that is being used training data. “Allow Google to use these videos and previously submitted selfie videos and other related data to create and improve our facial recognition, age estimation, and other authentication methods that use your facial features or movements, for all Google services,” reads the statement next to the selection box. Users can log into their privacy settings later to change this, documented Configure Google servicesif they change their mind.