Our privacy is something that is always in full debate. Our mobile is a permanently connected device full of sensitive hardware elements such as cameras or microphones. In addition and despite the security controls of Android or our manufacturer, we depend on the good work of a large number of third-party software. However, no one would suspect a fingerprint sensor on the screen, as an element that could be used to spy on us.
The fingerprint sensor in our phones has evolved from being somewhat crude, inaccurate and problematic, to being hidden under the screen and being faster and more efficient than ever. However, in order to register our fingerprint, the optical sensor must capture light, at least enough to capture our biometric data . It is precisely that need, the one that turns the fingerprint sensor into a screen is a kind of “mini-camera”.
Fingerprint sensor or camera
It has been a user of the Reddit forums, which has shown how a Xiaomi Mi 9T can access the transmission of images from the optical fingerprint sensor on the screen, which is manufactured by Goodix. It has been possible thanks to a third party application called “Activity Launcher”. This app offers users access to certain functions hidden within the terminal, such as access to calibration menus, factory tests and other types of hardware testing.
You can see what the fingerprint camera sees by searching it in “activity launcher” app. from Xiaomi
As can be seen in the video, the fingerprint sensor is capable of capturing part of the exterior images in real time . This opens the debate once again about privacy and the possible malicious uses that could occur in the event of hacking or applications of dubious purpose that make use of the function. Some specialized users have stressed that this option should not be operating so happily.
Is there a risk of being spied on?
This discovery does not appear to pose a serious threat to privacy. Keep in mind that the quality captured by the sensor is really poor , since it only needs enough light to detect the user’s fingertip. In addition, it is not a hardware element that integrates a microphone or the like. Although the application is not installed as standard on the device, it may be worrying that a third-party app may have access to this element.
However, perhaps the greatest risk is the discovery itself and that many curious users have launched into testing how its fingerprint sensor acts as a camera. Some inexperienced users have had trouble accessing this calibration menu. Without going any further, the on-screen fingerprint sensor has stopped working in the Poco F2 Pro from a user who was testing the function.
Source>AndroidAuthority