iPhone: iOS 13.3 bug could allow children to talk to strangers | Operational systems

A bug in the latest version of the iPhone system (iOS) can allow children to have contact with strangers. IOS 13.3, released last Tuesday (10), brought some new parental control settings, a feature widely publicized by Apple, but a loophole revealed by CNBC this Thursday (12th) can leave young people vulnerable to contact with strangers.

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This week's update implemented a feature called Communication Limits. With it, it is possible to moderate user interaction with numbers that are not in the device's contact list, preventing calls, calls via FaceTime and SMS or iMessage messages. However, the function only works correctly if the contact list is synchronized with iCloud, potentially allowing you to circumvent the measurement.

iPhone: bug in iOS 13.3 could allow children to talk to strangers Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetciPhone: bug in iOS 13.3 could allow children to talk to strangers Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetc

iPhone: bug in iOS 13.3 could allow children to talk to strangers Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetc

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The new parental control function also proposes to only allow a contact to be added to the phonebook after entering a PIN, previously defined by the parents. THE CNBC he discovered that a stranger is able to send text messages to the child's cell phone, who is given the option of adding the number to contacts. With that, it becomes possible to make calls and calls through FaceTime with the stranger.

Another finding was that when using an Apple Watch paired with the iPhone, just ask Siri to send messages or call anyone. The Apple assistant must ignore the restriction and follow the command.

The exception to the bug when Sleep mode is activated. It allows you to limit access to certain applications for a desired period of time. In tests conducted by CNBC, there was no option to add the contact to the phonebook while the feature was activated.

Apple was questioned by CNBC on the subject, and replied as follows:

"This problem only occurs on devices fitted with a nonstandard configuration, and an alternative solution is available. We are working on a full fix and will be releasing it in a future software update."

According to CNBC, to protect themselves and prevent children from having contact with strangers, it is possible to force the synchronization of contacts with iCloud. To do this, just go to Settings> Contacts> Standard Account and select "iCloud". The best alternative, however, is to wait for the next update of the Apple system.

Tap on "Standard Account" and select "iCloud" Photo: Reproduo / Rubens AchillesTap on "Standard Account" and select "iCloud" Photo: Reproduo / Rubens Achilles

Tap on "Standard Account" and select "iCloud" Photo: Reproduo / Rubens Achilles

IOS 13.3 was launched last Tuesday (10), just under three months after the launch of the original iOS 13. In addition to the parental control options, the new iPhone system also brought major bug fixes and security updates. If you want to download the update, just open "Settings", tap "General" and choose "Software Update".

iOS 13.3 can be downloaded from the "Software Update" menu Photo: Divulgao / AppleiOS 13.3 can be downloaded from the "Software Update" menu Photo: Divulgao / Apple

iOS 13.3 can be downloaded from the "Software Update" menu Photo: Divulgao / Apple

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