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Is Facetime Safe?

is facetime safe
App Information / Online Safety

Is Facetime Safe?

Facetime is a video calling app for Apple devices. FaceTime allows users to make video calls using a WiFi connection or cellular network. Steve Jobs introduced FaceTime in 2010 at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. FaceTime is a video calling app that is preinstalled on Apple devices.

smartphone

FaceTime is the popular choice for iOS users for video call because it is easy to use and provide a high-quality connection. In addition to one-to-one calls, FaceTime also supports group calls for up to 32 people. But many individuals are concerned about the security and privacy while using it. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the risks of using FaceTime, tips to be safe, and whether it is private and secure.  So let’s start.

Is FaceTime private?

Although FaceTime is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, you may be concerned about privacy and security. While doing FaceTime, it uses your device’s camera and microphone, which means someone can spy on you if they have access to your device. So, is facetime safe, private, and secure? Let’s have a look at some facts.

FaceTime is designed with privacy in mind, and there are security measures to protect your conversations. FaceTime uses end-to-end encryption, and the content of FaceTime calls is not stored on Apple’s servers. That means only people involved in the call can access your conversation.

Apple gives each user a unique ID to manage and connect calls. You’ll be even more secure if you use private Internet connectivity when using the app.

More on: Is Discord Safe For Kids?

What Are The Dangers Of Using FaceTime?

It is necessary to be aware of potential dangers while using FaceTine. Some of them are listed below:

Addiction and Less Real-World Interaction

facetime

During Covid-19, it was impossible to meet people in real life. Video calling was the best way to communicate with friends and family. FaceTime can quickly become an addiction for children and teenagers as they constantly communicate with their friends for an hour.

A person should never become addicted to any application, including FaceTime because this can lead to many mental and physical health problems. Spending a lot of time on FaceTime will make people, especially kids, less likely to talk with each other in real. They may feel insecure meeting real people because they aren’t used to it. Even if calls made using FaceTime are encrypted and secure, the addiction to using the app can put children and teenagers at risk.

Distraction 

FaceTime is a time-consuming app that can make people difficult for people to concentrate on other tasks, including school studies.

discraction

People spend a lot of time on FaceTime when there is someone to communicate with, which could lead to addiction and make people less productive at work. 

Teenagers get distracted from their studies and sleep if they talk on facetime with their friends for an hour late at night.

Cyberbullying 

Another danger of FaceTime can be cyberbullying. Unfortunately, Cyberbullying is a growing problem, and facetime can be used as a tool for bullies to harass and threaten others.

Teenagers can be involved in intimate video calls, and the person on the other side can be bad; they can publish your videos on the internet. Even if they don’t upload the videos on the internet, they can easily use them to blackmail your loved ones in many ways. 

is facetime safe

Thus, Children/Teenagers using facetime should be aware of the risk of Cyberbullying and be sure to talk about any incidents to elders.

Threat From Hackers

Even though FaceTime is secure and uses end-to-end encryption to secure your data, there may be chances to get threats from hackers. Apple’s server doesn’t store FaceTime data; even Apple does not have the right to decrypt your conversation and listen to them.

With the development of technology, hackers are also doing their best to find ways to crack such software and apps. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts of celebrities are more secure than normal people’s but are also being hacked.

Tips to be Safe while using  FaceTime

Due to Covid-19, recently, there has been an increase in the use of FaceTime and other video calling apps. These apps let you stay connected with loved ones. So, here are some tips you should know to be safe while using FaceTime:

1. Disable calls from unknown numbers

iPhone has a built-in feature to ignore calls from unknown numbers. For this, you need to change your phone’s settings.

Follow these steps :

  • Open the Settings app on your phone
  • Goto Phone
  • Tap Silence Unknown Caller

is facetime safe

2. Don’t answer FaceTime calls from an unknown number

If you receive a FaceTime request from someone you don’t recognize, then don’t answer it. You can add people you know and trust to your FaceTime contacts.

3. Use a secure network

It will help if you are sure you are using a secure network. Avoid using free WiFi available in Hotels, Restaurants, Public places, etc. You can use your home internet or cellular data during facetime rather than free internet.

4. Don’t share your personal information.

Don’t share your personal information with someone you don’t know and trust on FaceTime or any other platform. The personal data can be your Home address, Email address, phone number, etc.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we see that FaceTime is one of the private and secure ways to communicate with friends and family. You don’t need to worry about communication leaks because FaceTime uses end-to-end encryption. However, you must be aware of other dangers while using any communication tool.

Thus, if you’re an iOS user searching for safe, secure, and private video calling software, FaceTime is a good option.

Also read: Ways To Block Shows on Amazon Prime

FAQS

Can FaceTime Be Hacked?

Since FaceTime uses end-to-end encryption to protect your call, there is less chance of being hacked. No matter how safe an app is, hackers find some ways to get through it.

Can you FaceTime on Android?

FaceTime is especially for iPhone users, so it is not available on Android. But there are other video calling apps similar to FaceTime like Whatsapp, Zoom, Skype, etc.

Is FaceTime free?

Yes, FaceTime is free. You can make free internet calls anywhere (Home, Hotel, Office). All you need is a Wi-Fi connection. 

Is FaceTime completely private?

Yes, FaceTime is private because your calls are protected using end-to-end encryption, so there is no way someone could access your call. Apple server doesn’t store call records; only you and the person you want to call can join the call.

Is FaceTime HIPPA Compliant?

FaceTime isn’t HIPAA-compliant. Since Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is necessary to comply with HIPAA. 

Apple is unlikely to sign any of them. But some people still say that FaceTime is HIPAA-compliant when used correctly because it has so many security features. Video calling providers must protect PHI to be HIPAA compliant.

Can the police tap FaceTime call?

FaceTime is end-to-end encrypted, and even Apple doesn’t have permission to decrypt the communication between devices.