Google has yet another sign-in method out for folks who can’t remember a password or figure out how to make a passkey. The function uses what the company calls a selfie video to permit login. It’s a bit like facial recognition, except that you’re… moving, we suppose?
Exactly how this is better than a password, passkey, or any other login method isn’t explained. It’s just sort of assumed that users will find this to be a decent option. Google does punt it as part of its “ongoing work to provide secure and flexible sign-in options.” To us, it just sounds like the company wants access to your facial data for some reason.
Google on video
Which isn’t too far off the mark. The company’s announcement says: “Your selfie video is yours and you’re in control. It is recorded and securely stored with your consent, and you can delete it at any time in your Google Account. It’s used only for helping you sign in, unless you opt to share it for additional purposes.”
Still, it’s relatively easy to set up if you’d rather use your face instead of another login method. There’s a standard browser link that’ll take you to the company’s selfie video setup page. Once there, users are asked to perform specific tasks to set up the login method. Mostly, this involves turning your head. A bit.
The search giant reckons that videos are tough to defeat using deepfake methods. It will “match your video against your saved selfie and require you to perform simple movements to prove it’s a live video.”
It’s also worth realising that a ‘video selfie’ is a large part of various age verification initiatives in countries that support them. Google having a database of facial biometrics would let the company jump into this particular pool with little effort. It would also make it difficult for users to opt out of a future implementation once their biometric data is on file. We’re not saying that’s what the company is up to, but it’s certainly something within the realm of possibility. It’s not like tech companies have never cloaked their ambitions in the guise of user convenience before.
Still, it’s your call. We checked Google’s video recording URL, and it’s currently active for us. If it’s not for you, just wait a couple of hours.
