- A real-time view from the iPhone 's rear-facing camera appears in the Facebook app when a user clicks on an ad and then rapidly clicks on a different app element.
- While likely a bug, the issue raises questions about privacy, given that the Facebook app can apparently access users' camera even when they haven't opened an in-app camera feature.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook users are noticing a bug that lets the app access their iPhone's camera while they're scrolling through their newsfeed (FB)
People are noticing a bug in the Facebook iPhone app that appears to show the app accessing their camera while they're scrolling through their newsfeed.
FILE - In this May 1, 2018, file photo, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivers the keynote speech at F8, Facebook's developer conference, in San Jose, Calif. Zuckerberg is again appearing before Congress to face questions about his company's massive market power, privacy lapses and tolerance of speech deemed false or hateful. Zuckerberg will testify at a hearing Wednesday before the House Financial Services Committee about Facebook's plan to create a global digital currency, which has stirred opposition from lawmakers and regulators in the U.S. and Europe. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
A newly discovered bug appears to show that the Facebook app for iPhone is accessing users' rear-facing camera while they're scrolling through their newsfeed.
The bug was first noticed by privacy-minded Twitter users earlier this week. Here's what it looks like in action:
A Facebook spokesperson did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on the issue.
ADVERTISEMENT
Business Insider confirmed that the bug is reproducible with version 246.0 of the Facebook app on an iPhone running iOS 13.2.2. It's seemingly triggered when a user clicks on an ad and then rapidly clicks away, or opens a different users' profile picture and rapidly swipes down.
facebook camera bug
Facebook
It's not clear whether the rear-facing camera is always on when users open the Facebook app or if the bug is triggering a shortcut to quickly open the camera. The Facebook app opens the front-facing camera when users tap the "Go Live" button, and opens the rear-facing camera if users navigate to their stories page and then click the camera icon this screen is more than one step away from the newsfeed.
While it's likely a bug, the issue raises questions regarding Facebook users' privacy, especially since there's no obvious notification that the Facebook app is accessing the rear-facing camera when it appears.
NOW WATCH: 8 weird robots NASA wants to send to space
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also:
- Switching your phone to dark mode could be a game-changer for your battery life, especially if you have one of 3 iPhones
- Apple just removed an iPhone app that made it easy for people to stalk the activity of their friends and partners on Instagram
- A pilot and Instagram influencer with nearly half a million followers reveals 7 secrets most people don't know about the job
SEE ALSO: The new iPhone software update is already catching apps like Facebook being shady
FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
Congo is spending 22% of its scarce revenue on security - Minister
Another African country is set to get a Russian embassy
Medic West Africa 2024: A resounding success in fostering collaboration and innovation for a brighter healthcare future
10 African countries with the most troubling external debt in 2024
10 African countries with the least soft power influence over the world
Kenyan government rejects calls to ban TikTok, recommends tighter control over
Congo accuses Apple of conflict minerals in its supply chain
Top 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices in April 2024
