The use of facial recognition to unlock smartphones, a feature known as biometric authentication, can leave users vulnerable to unauthorized access. While this technology may seem like a convenient and futuristic way to secure devices, it can also be used against individuals, particularly in situations where law enforcement is involved.
Recently, journalists received a reminder that their biometrics may not keep their data safe from law enforcement searches. Courts have generally ruled that the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from having to turn over a PIN code or password, does not apply to biometrics. This means that authorities can compel individuals to unlock their phones with their fingerprint or facial scan. As a result, many press freedom and civil liberty organizations have advised journalists and activists to disable biometric authentication on their devices. However, it’s not just journalists and activists who are at risk – anyone can be vulnerable to having their phone unlocked using their biometrics, whether it’s a partner, a family member, or a criminal gang. There have been reports of people unlocking their partners’ phones using their biometrics while they were sleeping, as well as reports of criminal gangs forcing victims to unlock their phones with their biometrics to steal cryptocurrencies.
To mitigate this risk, individuals can take steps to disable biometric authentication on their smartphones. For iPhone users, this can be done by opening the Settings app, tapping “Face/Touch ID and Passcode,” and then toggling the “iPhone Unlock” switch to “off.” For Android users, the process may differ depending on the phone model, but on a Pixel phone, users can disable fingerprint unlocking by going to the Settings app, tapping “Security and privacy” and then “Device unlock,” and then deleting their registered fingerprints. Alternatively, users can quickly deactivate the biometric unlock feature by restarting their phone, which will require a passcode to be entered before biometrics can be used to unlock the device again.
The use of facial recognition to unlock smartphones may be convenient, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. By taking steps to disable biometric authentication or using workarounds like restarting their phone, individuals can help protect themselves from unauthorized access to their devices. As the use of biometric authentication continues to evolve, it’s crucial to consider the potential consequences and take necessary precautions to ensure the security of personal data.
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