Google Adopts Indonesia's Biometric Rules, Login Method Changes Completely

Google has introduced a new verification method for logging into accounts: a video recording of the user’s face. This biometric authentication system resembles the rules that Indonesia began applying to SIM card registrations from 1 July 2026.

The feature, named Selfie Video, was announced on 23 July 2026 and allows users to record head movements as identity confirmation if they forget their password or lose access to their usual device.

When activating the feature, users are asked to look at the camera and follow simple head movement instructions. The recording is stored in encrypted form and can only be deleted by the account owner.

At login, users are asked to perform similar movements to be matched against stored data. This mirrors the facial verification mechanism now mandatory for new SIM card registrations in Indonesia under Communication and Digital Affairs Ministerial Regulation Number 7 of 2026.

Under that regulation, every new SIM card registration must match the applicant’s face with civil registry data at Dukcapil to prevent identity misuse. Google says the feature is also designed to reject fake recordings or still photographs, making it safer against identity fraud.

The implementation also aligns with the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP), which requires explicit consent before collecting biometric data and guarantees users’ right to delete their data at any time. Google affirmed that the recording is used only to verify identity when logging into an account and will not be used for any other purpose without the user’s consent.

The feature is currently being rolled out gradually for personal accounts, and is not yet available for work accounts, children’s accounts, or those enrolled in high-level security protection.