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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Technology

FaceTime bug: Apple users warned of glitch that allows video and audio eavesdropping

FaceTime glitch: Apple is investigating the intrusive bug and said it would release a software update to combat it (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Apple iPhone users are being warned of a bug that allows eavesdropping on their devices through the FaceTime app.

A software glitch reportedly allows callers to hear audio and view video from a target device even if the call is rejected.

The issue is likely to cause embarrassment for the consumer tech giant that says it believes privacy is a "fundamental human right".

It is said to affect devices using versions of iOS 12.1 or later and was first reported by the website 9to5mac.

The website said calls must be made in a particular way in order to exploit the glitch.

FaceTime glitch: Apple is investigating the intrusive bug and said it would release a software update to combat it (AFP/Getty Images)

Tech experts, including Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, suggested iPhone and iPad users disable FaceTime until a fix is rolled out.

A spokesman for Apple told the BBC that a fix will be released in a software update later this week.

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