Google will now let you sign in to your account with a selfie video - TechCrunch

What the report says

TechCrunch reports that Google is adding a selfie video option for signing in to Google accounts, giving users another way to regain access if they are locked out or cannot use their usual phone or computer. The company announced the feature on Thursday, according to the report, as major technology platforms increasingly move beyond passwords toward biometric-based identity checks.

Under the setup described by TechCrunch, users record a short video while facing their device camera and following guided prompts such as turning their head or nodding. If they later have trouble logging in, they can submit a new selfie video. Google then compares the new recording with the saved setup video to help determine whether the same person is trying to access the account.

The company said the process is designed to address not only account recovery, but also the growing difficulty of proving that a real person is present rather than a bot, fake image or manipulated video. TechCrunch cited Google as saying it uses multiple security layers, including movement prompts and standard suspicious sign-in detection, to reduce impersonation attempts involving photos, videos or deepfakes.

The feature may make account recovery easier and improve fraud protection, but it also adds to broader privacy questions around biometric data. TechCrunch notes that regulators have been paying closer attention as companies collect and use facial and voice data. Google says the selfie videos are encrypted, stored securely and can be deleted by users from their Google account.