Watch out! Skype for Android is automatically answering incoming calls
A major problem has been highlighted in Skype's Android app, a bug that automatically answers incoming video calls on the platform. The issue appears to have started in January and could lead to a serious breach of privacy for people using the app both for personal or business communication. Here's everything you need to know about the issue.
Video calls being answered automatically
Microsoft has long been offering Skype with an option called "answer incoming calls automatically". The feature, accessed from settings, is aimed at helping people check in on pets or babies, but now, it doesn't turn off - even when you do that explicitly. This means, no matter how you treat this setting, Skype for Android will automatically answer an incoming call, Android Police reported.
Now, this can lead to a major breach of privacy
The bug in question can easily compromise the privacy of people using Skype on their Android phones. Basically, the app could be used for spying or eavesdropping on conversations, which nobody would like if they're on the receiving side of a call. Also, as many people use Skype for work-related communication, it could even accept a call from your boss when you're not dressed.
Only uninstalling appears to be the workaround
Several users have highlighted the issue in Microsoft's support forums, but so far, no workaround seems to be working. Some say that disconnecting Google Wear and Samsung Gear may help, but that's not the case for every individual witnessing the issue. So, the only solution you might have at this moment is uninstalling the app and switching to a different one.
Or if you need Skype, go for the latest beta
You could switch to Viber, Duo, WhatsApp for video calling. But if you need Skype, go for its latest preview version. Forum reports indicate the latest beta version has fixed the issue, which means Microsoft has already taken note of the problem and will issue a fix with the stable release too. However, until that happens, it's better to use Skype beta.
Rise of privacy compromising bugs
The issue comes as the latest dent in a series of problems marring web-based services. To recall, Facebook has been affected by several privacy-compromising issues, while Apple's FaceTime had also witnessed a similar eavesdropping bug just recently.
