Google is introducing a new way for people to prove they are human online, with some users now being asked to perform hand gestures in front of their computer camera as part of the verification process.

The move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated automated bots that can bypass traditional security checks used by websites and online services.

For years, websites have relied on systems such as CAPTCHA to distinguish real visitors from automated programs. These tools were originally designed to block malicious activity including spam registrations, fake account creation and attempts to overwhelm websites with automated traffic.

However, advances in artificial intelligence have made many older verification methods less effective. Challenges that once required users to identify distorted letters, numbers or simple images are becoming easier for automated systems to solve.

To address this, Google has continued evolving its verification technology. Recent versions have included image recognition tasks and interactive challenges designed to assess human behaviour rather than simple problem-solving skills.

The latest approach takes that concept a step further by analysing physical movement. According to information published by Google, some verification checks will now ask users to perform specific hand movements or gestures while their device camera is active.

The system tracks hand motion and positioning in real time, allowing Google’s technology to determine whether it is interacting with a genuine person rather than a computer-generated image, recorded video or AI-created simulation.

Google said the feature is entirely optional and requires users to grant camera access before any verification takes place. The company also noted that users can withdraw those permissions at any time.

Privacy remains a key consideration. Google stated that recorded verification footage is not linked to individual user accounts and is deleted after the verification process has been completed.

The company also acknowledged that gesture-based verification may not be suitable for everyone. For users with accessibility requirements who cannot perform hand gestures, Google said alternative verification options remain available, including visual and audio-based challenges.

As AI tools become increasingly capable of imitating human behaviour online, technology companies are searching for new ways to confirm that a real person is behind the screen. Google’s latest experiment suggests that physical interaction could become a more common part of online security in the years ahead.