If you used the Group FaceTime function to check in with your kids after school or to collaborate on a project with co-workers after hours, you won't be able to do that today. 

Years ago, I was working on an important project in a shared computer lab.  Little did I know there was an undetectable computer virus that infected most of the computers in the room.  This little bugger would hop on your flash drive so when you plugged it into your personal laptop later, it would cause it to have an absolute meltdown.  After having my PC laptop wiped clean three times during crunch time for the project, I converted to a Mac.  Having a MacBook, it just made sense to me that my first smartphone be an iPhone and I just added an Apple watch to my stable of Apple products. They're a brand I trust.

Or should I say trusted?  I'm feeling a little sketchy about my iPhone after KTVB explained that there's a bug in Apple's Group FaceTime app that's allowing people to eavesdrop on their contacts.  Apparently, if you dial a Group FaceTime call and add your own number as the third person in the group, you can hear what's coming through the handset of the person you're trying to reach before they accept or reject the call. YIKES!

Apple is aware of the bug and plans to release a fix for it later this week.  They've temporarily disabled the Group part of FaceTime, but if you don't feel like you can trust it at all, here's how you can disable it:

  • iPhone/iPad: Settings -> FaceTime -> Off
  • Mac Computers (if FaceTime is already running): Click FaceTime to the right of the Apple logo -> Scroll to Quit FaceTime

I rarely answer FaceTime calls, because I'm usually sitting around sweaty and gross after my workout in the evening but I do NOT like the idea of someone who's trying to reach me being able to find out what's happening around me without my consent. (Let's be honest, I'm probably watching The Bachelor, but it's still not cool...)

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