iPhone FaceTime bug lets people eavesdrop on you. Here’s how to disable FaceTime

Jan 29, 2019

By Herb Scribner

A newly discovered bug in Apple’s FaceTime software allows Apple users to listen to and see the people they are calling before the person answers the call, according to multiple reports.

9to5Mac, an Apple news and rumors website, discovered the bug on Monday.

What happens: As CNN explains, “When the bug is activated, the person who initiated the call is able to hear the live audio on the other person’s phone, even though the recipient has not accepted the call. And their screen gives no indication that their conversation is being transmitted. In some cases, the bug can also show live video of the other person if they press a volume button to dismiss the call.”

People across social media recreated the problem, proving its validity, including CNN Business.

Apple said in a statement that it identified the fix for the problem and that the solution will arrive later this week.

However: Apple removed Group FaceTime in the meantime and has begun disabling the feature for all users, according to The Verge.

The bug impacts Apple users with iOS 12.1 and Apple PCs running macOS Mojave.

More solutions: You can disable FaceTime by going into “Settings” then “FaceTime” and then toggle the green button at the top of the screen.

Reaction: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement of concern about the bug.

“The FaceTime bug is an egregious breach of privacy that puts New Yorkers at risk,” he said. “In light of this bug, I advise New Yorkers to disable their FaceTime app until a fix is made available, and I urge Apple to release the fix without delay.”

Bigger picture: Apple wants to move quickly to fix this bug, which occurred just ahead of the company’s major earnings report, which will be released Tuesday, CNBC reports.