Bad news if you have purchased a Google Pixel 4, there has been a significant flaw uncovered, the device can be unlocked even without detecting your eyes.
This has been deemed as a significant issue by a security expert as it could allow unauthorised access to the device.
Most other handsets when using face detection will check the eyes are open to ensure the user is meaning to open the device, and Samsung among others check the iris.
“Pixel 4 Face Unlock meets the security requirements as a strong biometric.” Google has said.
When using the default settings, the phone can be unlocked even when the user is pretending to be asleep.
Before the Pixel was launched there was a lot of leaked messaging about the handset, in one such leak am image was shown with a settings label stating, “Require eyes to be open”, which was in the facial recognition menu.
The feature was, however not available upon launch of the handset.
“Your phone can also be unlocked by someone else if it’s held up to your face, even if your eyes are closed.” Google have let their customers know about the issue on the Google website.
Concerned customers are also able to turn on the “Lockdown” mode that deactivates facial recognition.
Google have said they will continue to work on the facial recognition to ensure it is the best it can be, however this may not alleviate scares of people who have just purchased their new phone.
