Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a consumer alert on Monday evening regarding an Apple FaceTime bug that reportedly allows people to spy on users.
Cuomo said the bug in the FaceTime app allows users to receive audio and video from the device of the person you are calling, even if they don’t answer the call.
Reports say the bug exists on OS devices running iOS 12.1 or later.
Cuomo urged residents across New York State to disable the app until Apple fixes the issue. Apple has said it will fix the issue with a software update later this week.
To disable the app: open settings, select FaceTime, then shift the button to the off position.
“The FaceTime bug is an egregious breach of privacy that puts New Yorkers at risk,” Cuomo said. “In New York, we take consumer rights very seriously and I am deeply concerned by this irresponsible bug that can be exploited for unscrupulous purposes. 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.”
