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Google Pixel 4 Face Unlock works if eyes are shut | Google Pixel 4 Face Unlock works if eyes are shut |
(about 16 hours later) | |
Google has confirmed the Pixel 4 smartphone's Face Unlock system can allow access to a person's device even if they have their eyes closed. | Google has confirmed the Pixel 4 smartphone's Face Unlock system can allow access to a person's device even if they have their eyes closed. |
One security expert said it was a significant problem that could allow unauthorised access to the device. | One security expert said it was a significant problem that could allow unauthorised access to the device. |
By comparison, Apple's Face ID system checks the user is "alert" and looking at the phone before unlocking. | By comparison, Apple's Face ID system checks the user is "alert" and looking at the phone before unlocking. |
Google said in a statement: "Pixel 4 Face Unlock meets the security requirements as a strong biometric." | Google said in a statement: "Pixel 4 Face Unlock meets the security requirements as a strong biometric." |
Speaking before the launch, Pixel product manager Sherry Lin said: "There are actually only two face [authorisation] solutions that meet the bar for being super-secure. So, you know, for payments, that level - it's ours and Apple's." | |
On Tuesday, BBC News tested the Face Unlock feature on the new Pixel 4. | On Tuesday, BBC News tested the Face Unlock feature on the new Pixel 4. |
Using the default settings, the phone still unlocked if the user pretended to be asleep. | Using the default settings, the phone still unlocked if the user pretended to be asleep. |
The test was repeated on several people, with the same result. | The test was repeated on several people, with the same result. |
Images of the Pixel 4 leaked before launch showed a setting labelled: "Require eyes to be open," in the facial-recognition menu. | Images of the Pixel 4 leaked before launch showed a setting labelled: "Require eyes to be open," in the facial-recognition menu. |
However, this setting was not present on the devices loaned to BBC News. | However, this setting was not present on the devices loaned to BBC News. |
And Google told BBC News it would not feature on the Pixel 4 when it went on sale, on 24 October. | And Google told BBC News it would not feature on the Pixel 4 when it went on sale, on 24 October. |
"If someone can unlock your phone while you're asleep, it's a big security problem," said cyber-security expert Graham Cluley. | "If someone can unlock your phone while you're asleep, it's a big security problem," said cyber-security expert Graham Cluley. |
"Someone unauthorised - a child or partner? - could unlock the phone without your permission by putting it in front of your face while you're asleep," he told BBC News. | "Someone unauthorised - a child or partner? - could unlock the phone without your permission by putting it in front of your face while you're asleep," he told BBC News. |
"I wouldn't trust it to secure the private conversations and data on my phone." | "I wouldn't trust it to secure the private conversations and data on my phone." |
Google's Pixel 4 support website tells customers: "Your phone can also be unlocked by someone else if it's held up to your face, even if your eyes are closed." | Google's Pixel 4 support website tells customers: "Your phone can also be unlocked by someone else if it's held up to your face, even if your eyes are closed." |
It says concerned customers can switch on "lockdown" mode - which deactivates facial recognition - when they want enhanced security. | It says concerned customers can switch on "lockdown" mode - which deactivates facial recognition - when they want enhanced security. |
Google told BBC News Face Unlock could not be fooled by photos or masks, however. | Google told BBC News Face Unlock could not be fooled by photos or masks, however. |
"We will continue to improve Face Unlock over time," it said in a statement. | "We will continue to improve Face Unlock over time," it said in a statement. |
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