July 23 (Reuters) - Google launched a new sign-in feature on Thursday that allows users to log in via a selfie video, giving them an additional option to sign in to or recover their accounts if they can't access them because they've forgotten their passwords or their preferred devices aren't available.

Alphabet-owned Google will allow users to set up an identity verification step by recording a short video of themselves performing directed head movements that capture multiple angles. Google will then save the recording and use it to verify the authenticity of live videos that users upload during their subsequent login attempts.

While the new feature may provide stronger protection against fraud and better account recovery options for users, especially in cases of lost or stolen devices, it may also raise some concerns about privacy and biometric data collection.

Google stated that selfie videos are stored with the user's consent, and users have the option to delete them from their Google account at any time. The company clarified that selfie videos will only be used for login purposes unless the user chooses to share them for additional uses.

She added that it uses several security measures to detect identity theft attempts, including deepfakes, by comparing the new recording to the saved selfie video, and requiring users to perform actions that confirm the video is live.

This feature will be available to Google account users who wish to take advantage of it starting this Thursday.

Companies currently rely on trusted devices, registered phone numbers, account recovery contacts, and two-factor authentication in account recovery procedures, and biometric data and facial recognition have long been a subject of privacy concerns.