Facebook forced to scotch Messenger 'Trojan Horse' rumours

Facebook has been forced to deny that its Messenger app has the ability to commandeer a host smartphone's camera and microphone to observe and listen in on individuals, following the circulation of rumours to that effect.

Stating categorically that such reports 'aren't true' Facebook reiterated that it would always request permission to run features such as making calls and sending photos, videos or voice messages.

In a blog post Peter Martinazzi of the Facebook Messenger Team wrote: 'If you want to send a selfie to a friend, the app needs permission to turn on your phone's camera and capture that photo. We don't turn on your camera or microphone when you aren't using the app.

'We're committed to providing a fast, reliable and fun messaging app that anyone in the world can use to reach the people who matter to them. That's why we're focusing just on Messenger and moving messages out of the Facebook app. People usually respond about 20% faster when they have Messenger, and we think they'll find both apps useful in different ways.

'We hope you'll try out Messenger and enjoy everything else you can do with the app, like chatting with groups and sending stickers.'