Teen Who Found FaceTime Bug Will Get a Reward

Apple has fixed a FaceTime privacy glitch uncovered by a 14-year-old—and the teen is getting a reward for his effort. The glitch could let someone hear live audio on another person's phone, even though that person hadn't answered the FaceTime group call, reports CNN. It was also possible in some instances to see live video of the call recipient. Apple rolled out the software updates, iOS 12.1.4 and macOS Mojave 10.14.3, on Thursday. The company was told of the problem last month after Grant Thompson, a 14-year-old in Tucson, discovered it. He reported it to his mother, Michele, who reported it to Apple. Eventually, video demonstrations of the problem went viral.

Apple didn't publicly address the issue at first but now says it will reward the Thompsons for reporting the bug, per the Verge. The company didn't say how big the reward will be, though some of the money will be dedicated to Grant's education. He made the discovery while trying to start a FaceTime group with friends. His mother called, e-mailed, faxed, and tweeted at Apple before the company acknowledged the flaw. (That happened after this 9to5Mac article came out.) Grant told CNBC on Monday that it was "pretty surprising to me that like Apple didn't get this and a 14-year-old kid found it by accident." (More FaceTime stories.)