Security company reminds police not to look at iPhones equipped with Face ID – BGR

Now that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have begun forcing suspects to unlock their iPhones with Face ID, a forensic society is warning authorities that it would be well-advised not to look at iPhones equipped with Face ID. The reason? An iPhone X device, after a number of unsuccessful facial scans, can only be unlocked via a password. This is an essential distinction, as a number of courts have found that requiring the suspect to disclose to the authorities his authentication code is a violation of the Fifth Amendment. On the other hand, asking a suspect to just look at his device to unlock it is perfect.

Initially highlighted by MotherboardElcomsoft – a Moscow-based scientific police firm – recently gave a presentation explaining how authorities can inadvertently force an iPhone X or XS to deactivate the facial identity and then ask for a PIN.

In a slide obtained by MotherboardElcomsoft warns: "Do not look at the screen, otherwise … it will happen the same as during the Apple event".

If you're not familiar, the Apple event mentioned by Elcomsoft refers to the unveiling of last year's iPhone X when Craig Federighi, with some embarrassment, was unable to unlock an iPhone X via Face ID in the middle of Apple's speech. Regarding the keynote of Apple, it is definitely up there.

You can relive the meritorious moment in all its splendor below.

In light of Federighi's mistake, some experts quickly raised questions about the effectiveness of facial recognition. However, Apple later revealed that because a few assistants were behind the scenes of the phone, a number of login attempts with Face ID had been detected.

Apple even went so far as to publish a statement about it:

People were manipulating the device for the live demonstration in advance and did not realize that Face ID was trying to authenticate itself. After failing several times because they were not Craig, the iPhone did what it was designed for, namely to demand its secret code.

Of course, this is not new information, but since the number of iPhone devices equipped with Face ID may explode with the imminent release of the device. iPhone XR, it makes sense that Elcomsoft wants to remind repressive authorities about it. particular behavior of iOS.

Source of image: Apple Inc.