GoKawiilWhatsApp AI background feature exposes phone gallery on locked Android devices
Security researcher Jose Rodriguez found that on some Android phones, WhatsApp's video call feature can let anyone view your entire photo gallery without unlocking the device. The flaw is triggered by answering a video call, opening the effects panel, selecting AI-generated backgrounds, and choosing to edit an existing photo, which opens the gallery directly. Rodriguez says the bug affects OPPO and vivo phones but not Samsung, and has reported it to Meta and Google.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Lock screens are meant to be the last line of defense for personal data, so a bypass through a mainstream app like WhatsApp is a serious privacy risk since anyone who picks up a locked phone during an incoming call could access private photos. The inconsistency across device manufacturers also shows how fragmented Android's security implementation can be, complicating fixes that require cooperation between Meta, Google, and phone makers.
- A WhatsApp video call feature can expose your photo gallery without unlocking your Android phone.
- The flaw stems from the 'create with AI' background editing tool inside video calls.
- OPPO and vivo devices are affected while Samsung appears immune; Meta and Google have been notified.
Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-03
Published there as: “This WhatsApp privacy flaw lets anyone view your photos without unlocking your phone”
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