People that use social media on a regular basis tend to be rather nervous about what might end up happening if they are not careful, and for good reason. Big name social media platforms such as Facebook are notorious for being downright malicious at times when it comes to handling user privacy, and in cases where they were not found to be malicious they were at the very least found to be negligent in some way and that is definitely not something that would make this situation any better than it would have been otherwise.
A recent bug that had been making the rounds on the Facebook iOS app made the app access the iPhone camera in the background. Users that noticed this were understandably alarmed because of the fact that this is a gross violation of their privacy which is of course a fundamental right that they are fully entitled to.
While initial speculation suggested that Facebook had done this intentionally, it turns out that it was simply a mistake on the company’s part. This is only slightly better than the alternative, which would be Facebook deliberately trying to obtain information about you through your camera.
The issue has now been resolved, so if you are worried about it affecting you, you need to make sure that you have updated the app as much as possible. The latest update will have the issue fixed if you are worried about it.
That being said, a lot of users are still going to be wary about using the app now, and if you are one of these people you should seriously consider trying to go to settings and rescinding Facebook’s permission to access your camera. In this modern day and age it’s more important than ever to try and protect yourself from big name companies that have no regard for your privacy.
Photo: Denis Charlet AFP / Getty Images
Read next: Facebook rolls out a series of new features and here’s what we know about it
A recent bug that had been making the rounds on the Facebook iOS app made the app access the iPhone camera in the background. Users that noticed this were understandably alarmed because of the fact that this is a gross violation of their privacy which is of course a fundamental right that they are fully entitled to.
Found a @facebook #security & #privacy issue. When the app is open it actively uses the camera. I found a bug in the app that lets you see the camera open behind your feed. Note that I had the camera pointed at the carpet. pic.twitter.com/B8b9oE1nbl— Joshua Maddux (@JoshuaMaddux) November 10, 2019
While initial speculation suggested that Facebook had done this intentionally, it turns out that it was simply a mistake on the company’s part. This is only slightly better than the alternative, which would be Facebook deliberately trying to obtain information about you through your camera.
Wanted to let you know that we've shipped the fix to App Store and are waiting for it to be approved. Team is still digging into details including about the state of the camera after the bug is first triggered (which relates to your Q), expect to be able to update you later today— Guy Rosen (@guyro) November 12, 2019
The issue has now been resolved, so if you are worried about it affecting you, you need to make sure that you have updated the app as much as possible. The latest update will have the issue fixed if you are worried about it.
That being said, a lot of users are still going to be wary about using the app now, and if you are one of these people you should seriously consider trying to go to settings and rescinding Facebook’s permission to access your camera. In this modern day and age it’s more important than ever to try and protect yourself from big name companies that have no regard for your privacy.
Photo: Denis Charlet AFP / Getty Images
Read next: Facebook rolls out a series of new features and here’s what we know about it
