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Facebook is secretly accessing your iPhone’s camera while just browsing news feed
- Thread starter NookSports
- Start date
On my S8, I had a setting turned on where it would tell me whenever apps were accessing the camera, mic, etc. Never had Facebook installed, but Instagram and Snapchat both would constantly use the Camera/Mic respectively at random intervals, even when my phone was just sitting next to me on my desk. I'd get the notification "Snapchat was detected using the Camera" or "Instagram was detected using the Microphone" at like... 2:30 PM lol. Always hated it, especially when ads would pop up on IG related to exactly what I was talking about that day.
Sadly, ever since the latest Android update, I can no longer seem to find this feature. :/
Sadly, ever since the latest Android update, I can no longer seem to find this feature. :/
If you ever allow the Facebook app to have access to any functionality on your phone, you're doing it wrong. Even then, I'm sure they're still abusing their privileges with whatever access they still have.
"bug"
Apple should remove the app from the store until Facebook "fixes" it.
And isn't this a facebook app oversight?
Apple should remove the app from the store until Facebook "fixes" it.
Continues? iOS13 has been rock solid jump in speed and features.
And isn't this a facebook app oversight?
Other apps use your camera without your permission, on both iOS and Android. Facebook sucks a lot but they aren't alone in this.
Makes sense that someone working at a tech firm, especially a well known celebrity in the tech industry, would want to take additional precautions. It's much more likely that someone's going to want to hack Mark Zuckerberg's camera than mine.
iPhone SE user here.
It happens to me since the last update and is actually a bug.
FB doesn't need to show you or even show the viewfinder to record you if they wanted lol.
It happens to me since the last update and is actually a bug.
FB doesn't need to show you or even show the viewfinder to record you if they wanted lol.
The article literally states that the glitch can't be replicated on iOS12,13.1, or Android devices.
That, and you know, his own platform is likely spying on everyone.
This very well could be an iOS bug more than Facebook but video recordings like this do introduce variables. I'd be curious if other apps on their phone do this when in video full screen.
Feel like this selection from the article should have been included in the OP.
If I had to take a guess, I'd say that the app is attempting to pre-load the camera functionality in the background for its Story feature and isn't obscuring it properly due to a bug that exposes this issue in certain versions of iOS 13. Instagram and Snapchat both behave this way if I'm not mistaken, I think that's the far more likely culprit here rather than Facebook intentionally trying to do something malicious.
I've only ever accessed Facebook on my phone through the Safari browser, using an ancient iOS. Neener, Zucknutz.
Based on this guy is responding to people I highly suspect he's not understanding why this would happen if FB does have quick swipe to camera (don't have the app) but Instagram behaves the same way
I don't. But this is still very clearly a misleading story.
"It's the only way I can keep in touch with family!" is the main excuse, as if people have never used another messaging service, e-mail, or phone before. People have become reliant on the convenience factor.
I had to recreate a Facebook when I got hired for a marketing agency because I was required to run some client accounts. Never updated my page or anything, though, but I imagine this happens to a lot of people.
The next iPhone/all Android phones should really have a small LED light next to each camera showing whenever a camera is active. While this wouldn't "fix" the issue, it would help people be aware when apps are doing things they probably shouldn't be doing and spark a conversation. This is standard on webcams, why not smartphones, you know the battery powered camera supercomputer always on us?
This also doesn't prove his "SEE FACEBOOK IS USING YOUR CAMERA" story because he's USING FACEBOOK. Of course an app you've given full permissions to can access your stuff while the app is active.
Under settings, find Facebook. You can disable the available services for it to access.
Do we know the root cause before blaming a party here? I'm not a FB user, but we need to know the root before unnecessary outrage ensues.
a few of us posted things that downplay this. It's a complete overreaction
outside of privacy concerns, it's basically draining your battery by turning on the camera on the off chance you might use it?
This is also how they are listening in and displaying relevant ads based on conversation.
Maybe.
Maybe.
I already don't allow Facebook, Messenger or Instagram any camera, microphone or GPS access.
I would hope that's enough.
I would hope that's enough.
Guess it's a problem with iOS 13.
Apple really effed up when it comes to software this year between MacOS and iOS.
Sorry it was just a figment of your imagination.
Can't wait for Facebook defense force saying yea but it didn't warn about Facebook 😉