• Source:JND

If you've ever been locked out of your Google Account, you know how frustrating the recovery process can be. Google is now trying to make that a little easier with a new feature called Selfie Video, which gives users another way to prove they own their account.

Announced in a blog post, the feature lets users record a short selfie video that can later be used during sign in or account recovery. It is meant for situations where you cannot access your usual verification method, such as your trusted phone or computer.

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To get started, users need to head to their Google Account settings and open the Security section. From there, they can select Selfie Video and follow a few simple prompts. The setup process involves looking into the camera and making a few guided head movements so Google can capture the face from different angles.

If you ever get locked out of your account, Google will ask you to record another selfie video. The company will then compare it with the one you saved earlier to check whether they match before allowing you back into your account.

Google says the system relies on an AI model to verify that the person in the video is real and, where required, old enough to use certain Google services. The guided head movements are also intended to make sure someone is physically present during the verification process, helping reduce the chances of fraudulent sign in attempts.

Understandably, some users may have concerns about storing a facial video with Google. The company says the feature is entirely optional and that the video is encrypted before it is stored. It will only be used for sign in verification and account recovery, not for advertising or other purposes. The recording will appear in the Security Settings section of your Google Account, and you can delete it whenever you want.

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Google has been steadily adding new security features to make accounts safer without making them harder to use. Selfie Video is the latest example of that approach. While not everyone may choose to use it, it could come in handy for people who want an extra account recovery option if they ever lose access to their usual devices.


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