How to turn off FaceTime and avoid Apple’s eavesdropping bug

[Lewis]

A newly discovered privacy bug in Apple's FaceTime software allows users to hear and see the person they are calling, without the recipient even picking up.

 

The glitch impacts iPhones and iPads running iOS 12.1, and Apple PCs running macOS Mojave with the newly added Group FaceTime feature.

Apple (AAPL) confirmed it started disabling the Group FaceTime feature for all users, but the issue may still impact one-on-one FaceTime calls. Until the company rolls out a fix later this week, here's how to disable FaceTime on your Apple device: 

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad 

 

 

2. Scroll down and select FaceTime 

 

3. Toggle off the green button at the top of the screen.

To turn it off on a Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open the FaceTime app

 

2. Go to FaceTime on top of the screen

3. Select "Turn FaceTime Off."

When the bug is activated, the person who initiated the call is able to hear the live audio on the other person's phone, but the 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.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/29/tech/facetime-bug-how-to-deactivate-scli-intl/index.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Brother Arellano]

I’m not at all concerned. They can listen to me talk about Jehovah. 

[Thesauron]

Apple will issue a patch later this week, so make sure to keep your device updated.

I’m not at all concerned. They can listen to me talk about Jehovah. 

People might use such glitches to track your life and use it for their own gain.

[Pjdriver]

8 minutes ago, Brother Arellano said:

I’m not at all concerned. They can listen to me talk about Jehovah. 

Good way to get in some extra field service FaceTime.   thanks!

i can pioneer from my recliner. 

Edited January 29, 2019 by Pjdriver

[Brother Arellano]

4 minutes ago, Thesauron said:

Apple will issue a patch later this week, so make sure to keep your device updated.

People might use such glitches to track your life and use it for their own gain.

I’m okay with that. It’s no less dangerous than using Google or Facebook. Our devices are tracking and monitoring us constantly. It’s common practice with tech companies. What are the odds that someone with nefarious intent will target me in this way?

[Thesauron]

I’m okay with that. It’s no less dangerous than using Google or Facebook. Our devices are tracking and monitoring us constantly. It’s common practice with tech companies. What are the odds that someone with nefarious intent will target me in this way?

That’s how these people reason, but once you’ve been the target of burglars who listened to your conversations to find out where you were, it’s not fun anymore. Or, if you’ve had your identity stolen. I am not ok with that. So I make sure to keep my devices up to date,

[Brother Arellano]

I always keep my devices up to date and take reasonable precautions. But turning off FaceTime based on a almost nil chance something bad will happen isn’t worth the cost. We face much bigger risks daily even without a device on us. 

[Thesauron]

I always keep my devices up to date and take reasonable precautions. But turning off FaceTime based on a almost nil chance something bad will happen isn’t worth the cost. We face much bigger risks daily even without a device on us. 

You don’t need to turn it off, just keep up to date with security patches. And, it is also good to be aware that your device might be abused. But don’t panic about it. Just be aware of the reality of it.

[Brother Arellano]

We are all aware. We are supposed to be cautious as Jehovah’s people. Not just with technology, but in all aspects of life. In choosing jobs, associates, in our ministry. Being wise and shrewd are good qualities. 

[Thesauron]

We are all aware. We are supposed to be cautious as Jehovah’s people. Not just with technology, but in all aspects of life. In choosing jobs, associates, in our ministry. Being wise and shrewd are good qualities. 

It everyone is aware. Some do not bother to update their devices. Some think it could never happen to them.

[Brother Arellano]

We’ve covered this issue from the platform before. There’s a learning curve. It doesn’t hurt to educate our brothers. 

[Brother Arellano]

Apple has now disabled this glitch. 👍

[Cushi]

Thanks. I got a FaceTime call from a number I didn’t recognize yesterday. The phone rang only twice and hung up before I could answer it. Even if someone did eavesdrop on my conversations, all they would have heard is me talking to my dad about the annual meeting, the king of the north and how we are close to the end of this system of things 

[Katty]

On 1/29/2019 at 4:15 PM, Brother Arellano said:

I’m not at all concerned. They can listen to me talk about Jehovah. 

I'm getting to that point. I mean, who knows, maybe all our data we give away won't even matter in the end, because whose to say we won't end up having to get burner phones when the GT hits?