There is a story developing today around the Facebook iOS Application. Web Designer Joshua Maddox reports reports via Twitter discovering the Facebook app was turning on the camera with no indication to the user. Maddox reports duplicating the bug on multiple devices. Third parties are now reporting the ability to at least partially replicate the bug.

Facebook’s VP of integrity replied to Maddox, “sounds like a bug.” No shit. I’m sure I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder about Facebook, but how do they continue to under-react to privacy problems with their platform? Also, if this bug does exist, how does it exist? What were they trying to do that could possibly trigger turning on the camera?

Hopefully this, whatever it is, gets fixed soon. In the meantime, if you have Facebook installed on your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and turn off Facebook access for your camera. While you are at it, consider whether you even want the Facebook app on your phone. I know several people that use Facebook exclusively in the browser to avoid problems like this.