Apple’s new Face ID tech continues to provide more questions than answers. Concerns about privacy and its suitability as a Touch ID replacement have dominated the post-iPhone X launch discourse.
One of those fears centres around whether law enforcement or thieves will be able to compel iPhone X owners to open their phones using the face scanning tech.
Related: What is Face ID?
Thankfully, Apple executive Craig Federighi has provided both an answer and a solution.
In an emailed response to concerned Apple fan Keith Krimbel (via Engadget), Craig wrote: “There are two mitigations: If you don’t stare at the phone, it won’t unlock.
“Also, if you grip the buttons on both sides of the phone when your hand it over, it will temporarily disable Face ID.”
E-mailed #CraigFederighi about #FaceID and actually got a response! pic.twitter.com/3Ytt1k6WvK
— Keith Krimbel (@KeithKrimbel) September 14, 2017
The Fed also confirmed Face ID will work with “most, but not all” sunglasses. He said most shades will allow enough infrared light through to make the eyes visible to Face ID.
Someone think of the children…
Elsewhere, Apple’s new App Store rules mandate that developers must provide an alternative to Face ID in order to protect children.
The “alternative authentication method” must be available to users under 13 (via Apple Insider).
Apple’s has implicitly stated that all facial recognition data will be stored on the A11 Bionic chip and will not leave the iPhone.
Are you comfortable with Face ID on the iPhone X? Do you have concerns over privacy? Tag us @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
