Google has started rolling out passkeys as a replacement for traditional passwords across its apps and websites as part of a broader effort to improve online security and simplify sign in processes.
The company is collaborating with Apple, Microsoft, and the FIDO Alliance to advance a passwordless future across major platforms and devices.
According to Google, passwords and two step verification will continue to work for Google Accounts for now, but the company hinted that passwords may eventually be phased out completely in the coming years.
Google also announced that administrators of Google Workspace accounts will soon be able to enable passkeys for users during sign in.
In a statement announcing the rollout, Google described passkeys as a simpler and safer alternative to passwords, noting that traditional passwords are often difficult to remember and vulnerable to phishing attacks and cyber theft.
Passkeys allow users to sign in using the same methods they use to unlock their devices, including fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, or a device PIN.
Unlike passwords or SMS verification codes, passkeys are designed to resist common online attacks such as phishing and credential theft.
Google said the initiative is part of a wider industry collaboration aimed at creating a consistent and secure passwordless sign in standard across websites, apps, and devices.
The move follows an announcement made last year by Google, Apple, and Microsoft that they would jointly support passwordless authentication standards developed by the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium.
Technology companies involved in the initiative believe passwords remain one of the biggest security weaknesses for internet users globally.
The new passkey system is expected to provide users with a faster, easier, and more secure authentication process while reducing dependence on weak or reused passwords.
Google encouraged users to begin testing the feature, stating that passkeys are now available across Google Accounts on major platforms.
