# Google Introduces Video Selfie Option for Account Recovery A new video selfie verification method is coming to Google accounts for secure access. - **Source:** [Lifehacker](https://brifing.si/source/f1400ced-a26b-4e58-a567-6187eca3708d) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cb5f6ec1-2e9b-4200-9393-9d11903e3139 ## Google's New Security Measure Google has announced a video selfie verification option to simplify account access and enhance security. This method is offered as an alternative to traditional passwords and email verification. Users can record a selfie video via webcam or phone camera to verify their identity if their account is locked. ## How It Works The video selfie feature works by comparing the user's recorded facial data. During account recovery, users can record a new video to be recognized by the system. Google states that these videos are encrypted and stored solely for account access purposes. Multiple security layers are also in place to prevent deepfake fraud. ## User Control and Privacy Google emphasizes that video selfies remain under user control. Users can delete their videos at any time and manage sharing permissions. However, Google also has the option to use this data to improve facial recognition and age estimation technologies, raising privacy concerns among some users. ## Deepfake Risks Video selfie verification brings up the risks of deepfake fraud. To mitigate this, Google asks users to perform specific movements during recording, which are hard to predict or mimic. Additionally, standard account security checks will remain active to ensure further protection. ## Gradual Rollout and Availability The video selfie feature is not yet available to all users. Google plans to roll it out gradually, allowing users to check eligibility in their accounts. While no specific timeline has been shared, the feature is expected to reach a wider audience soon. ## Future Implications Video selfie verification could become a reliable backup access method, thanks to the accuracy of technologies like Face ID. Users don’t need to remember anything extra—just their face. This method may set a new standard in digital security and could be adopted by other platforms in the future. ## Sources covering this story - https://lifehacker.com/tech/google-video-selfie-account?utm_medium=RSS — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._