Apple issues fix for FaceTime eavesdropping bug

Agence France-Presse

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Apple issues fix for FaceTime eavesdropping bug

AFP

Apple fixes its Group FaceTime security bug, which allows callers to listen in to people they're calling, regardless of whether the person on the other end picks up or not

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Apple said Friday, February 1, it had fixed a software bug that could allow iPhone users to see people through its FaceTime calling application even before they answered the phone.

Earlier this week, Apple disabled the feature known as Group FaceTime calling, following media reports of the security lapse.

“We have fixed the Group FaceTime security bug on Apple’s servers and we will issue a software update to re-enable the feature for users next week,” Apple said in a statement.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers who were affected and all who were concerned about this security issue.”

A video posted on social media before Apple shut off the feature showed how to take advantage of the flaw and listen in on an iPhone being called using FaceTime.

According to US media, a 14-year-old Arizona boy discovered the flaw and his mother struggled for a week to get Apple’s attention.

“My fear is that this flaw could be used for nefarious purposes,” Michele Thompson wrote to Apple, according to reports.

Thompson was reportedly initially told she had to register as a developer to report a software bug before the flaw became public.

Apple acknowledged the help in its statement, saying: “We thank the Thompson family for reporting the bug.” – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!