FaceTime
Summary
FaceTime is a video calling app that comes installed by default on all Apple devices. The app is simple to use, and allows users to mute and flip their cameras. However, password protection, virtual backgrounds, and sharable links for calls are not options. The app can be accessed for free through any Apple device.
Breach History
Has there ever been a breach or data leak?
Date of last breach
August 2019
Google security researchers claimed that Apple iPhones had suffered from massive security breaches. Specifically, hackers allegedly placed monitoring implants in an untold number of devices. This implant was inserted when users visited unspecificed hack websites and supposedly had been active for about two years. Be wary!
Privacy Checklist
Is any kind of biometric data collected (health, heart, voice, etc.)?
Are you able to delete your data / the data collected about you?
Does it use cookies, telemetry, or third-party tracking scripts?
Is the privacy policy user-friendly (easy to understand)?
Does it have parental controls?
Does it use encryption to protect your data both in-transit and at-rest?
Does it get regular software and / or firmware updates?
Does it require you to create a strong password?
Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?
Does it have a privacy policy?
How Can It Snoop?
Does it have a camera or request / require access to a camera?
Does it have a microphone or request / require access to a microphone?
Does it track your location or request / require access to location data?
Account Requirements
Does it require an email address to use?
Does it require a phone number to use?
Does it require an address (home or office) to use?
Payment Options
Are you able to use a credit card as a payment option?
Are you able to use a cryptocurrency as a payment option?
Are you able to use PayPal as a payment option?
Are you able to use cash or gift cards as a payment option?
What Could Go Wrong?
Not much risk in using this app. Apple has done a decent job protecting the privacy of its users, and FaceTime is end-to-end encrypted, which is about as good as it gets.
How Does It Share Your Data?
Apple collects personal data on users such as email, phone number, and social media profile information. Apple states that it does not sell personal information with third parties, but claims on ocassion it may share certain information to help Apple market to consumers.
Good Things
- End-to-end-encrypted.
- Easy to use.
Bad Things
- Can only be used between Apple devices.
Final Thoughts
FaceTime is one of the most used methods of calling nowadays. Luckily, Apple does a great job by securing calls with end-to-end encryption and FaceTime is quite easy to use. However, Apple FaceTime can only be used between iPhone users, which may be a downside for many users.