Shocking ‘X-ray’ camera that can see-through objects discovered on new Android smartphone sparking privacy outrage
A BRAND new smartphone has sparked concern after an expert discovered that the camera can be used to see-through some objects.
YouTuber @purely_maxwell – real name Maxwell Lu – raised the alarm after he unexpectedly noticed he could see the batteries inside his TV remote when holding the CMF Phone 1 up to it.
“We have a problem,” he said.
“At a glance, it appeared to be a low-res monochrome camera… well, that is until I accidentally pointed it against my TV remote.
“Holy… so now we know the CMF Phone 1’s secret is a see-through camera. Not only does it work against my remote I’ve also tried to put items behind a black bin bag, a luggage divider and a grey t-shirt.”
Maxwell discovered the bizarre bonus use after he became curious about what the second camera actually does and realising there was no way to use it on its own.
After some technical meddling, he managed to use a third party camera port to switch the camera and noticed then it could see-through objects.
Users have reacted to the discovery with alarm, dubbing it an “X-ray” camera.
While users can’t access the depth sensor output via the Nothing camera app, we understand that this could raise some concerns
Akis Evangelidis
“This is an offensive technology and shouldn’t be there in the very first place,” one user wrote on X after the video went viral.
“Even if it’s not in the stock camera app, but this is the thing that spoils PRIVACY!” another commented.
“Yes there are people like you and me that won’t misuse this feature, but just think if this feature reaches to a wrong person?”
The CMF Phone 1 is a new budget handset to come from growing smartphone company Nothing.
ACCESS DENIED
Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis has since responded to concerns on X, saying the ability to access the camera with third party apps will soon be blocked.
“In this case, while hundreds of millions of these camera depth sensors are out there, a CMF Phone 1 user went the extra mile and accessed the output of the depth sensor via a third-party app in developer mode, achieving a see-through effect,” he explained.
“Unlike typical cameras, our depth sensor doesn’t have an infrared light filter, enhancing its light-capturing ability.
“By definition, this includes infrared light, which can sometimes reveal the internal structure of thin or semi-transparent objects, especially when it’s black acrylic material.
“While users can’t access the depth sensor output via the Nothing camera app, we understand that this could raise some concerns.
“As a result, we will restrict third-party apps from accessing the depth sensor output through a software update expected within a week.”
CMF isn’t the first smartphone to have this problem.
Users of the OnePlus 8 Pro previously noticed the camera could also see-through certain black plastics.
Must-know Android tips to boost your phone
Get the most out of your Android smartphone with these little-known hacks: