Apple Elaborates On How The iPhone 5s Touch ID Fingerprint Reader Works, Won’t Store Images Of Fingerprints
When Apple first unveiled the new iPhone 5s, one of the hardware features that stood apart was the Touch ID fingerprint reader. Outside of demonstrating the basic concept, the company didn’t elaborate on how the feature worked. After Apple’s event, the feature sparked questions related to storing biometric data on a smartphone and how that affects your privacy. Thankfully, Apple released additional statements to the Wall Street Journal in an attempt to address these privacy concerns.
iPhone owners will have to create a backup passcode to unlock with if they either reboot or haven’t unlocked within 48 hours. Apple claims, that the “safeguard prevents hackers from simply biding their time while they look for a workaround”. Apple users will also have to remember to keep their sweaty digits dry, as the reader isn’t ideal for fingers covered in sweat and other liquids like hand lotion.
For anyone concerned with privacy issues, the feature will not store actual images of users’ fingerprints on the device. The Touch ID system only stores “fingerprint data,” which remains encrypted within the iPhone’s processor. Additionally, Apple confirmed that it is not currently allowing third-party applications to use the scanner.
And in case anyone was wondering, Apple confirmed that the Touch ID Fingerprint Reader only works with a live finger.
What do you think about this feature? In your opinion, is this something that adds a beneficial security layer or does this bring to light new privacy concerns? Weigh in your thoughts with us in the comments below.
So, they don’t ‘store’ the fingerprint image, but do they send it anywhere? Seems they tiptoed around that a little.