Apple users find FaceTime bug that lets them listen in on other customers

Apple’s system status page indicated that group FaceTime is temporarily unavailable

Apple CEO Tim Cook (L) speaks using his Memoji during a group FaceTime call on stage during Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) at the San Jose Convention Centerin San Jose, California on Monday, June 4, 2018. / AFP / Josh Edelson

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks using his Memoji during a group FaceTime call on stage during Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference. AFP

Bloomberg

Jan 29, 2019

Apple customers discovered a software bug on Monday that lets people listen in on other users by way of the company’s FaceTime video chat service.

The bug allows a user to call someone on FaceTime and automatically begin hearing the other person before they pick up the call. The other person isn’t aware that the caller can hear them.

The bug, confirmed by Bloomberg News, happens when a user creates a FaceTime conference call, puts in their phone number, and then adds the number of another person. The flaw was discussed on social media and picked up by website 9to5Mac.com.

Until they fix this with a software update, disable FaceTime under settings: pic.twitter.com/XRxlA2foNO
— AlexisOhanian.eth 7️⃣7️⃣6️⃣ (@alexisohanian) January 29, 2019

Late on Monday, Apple’s system status page indicated that group FaceTime is temporarily unavailable.

The bug emerged on Data Privacy Day when Apple chief executive Tim Cook called for "action and reform for vital privacy protections".

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Apple added multi-person FaceTime calling at the end of last year via a software update that was, in part, designed to address previous software bugs. Mobile users can disable FaceTime by going into their device’s settings.

Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about the flaw.

The company is aware of the issue and will fix it with a software update later this week, the Verge reported, citing an unidentified Apple spokesperson.