I, like many others, have relied on the lockdown feature in OnePlus smartphones for an added layer of security. This feature blocks the ability to unlock the phone through biometrics until the first unlock. It's a crucial function when you don't feel safe and fear that your phone might be unlocked by pressing your finger against the fingerprint sensor or by pointing the camera at your face. Once this feature is enabled, biometrics will not be available until the phone is unlocked for the first time.

Unfortunately, this function has been removed from recent OnePlus models despite being available on smartphones from other manufacturers. The removal of this feature has left many users feeling vulnerable and less secure with their devices.

The lockdown feature was previously accessible in our phones' shutdown/reboot menu by pressing the power button - a simple yet effective security measure that we need reinstated. Biometric technology is not infallible; according to a study published in IEEE Access journal, fingerprint recognition systems can have an error rate as high as 20% (IEEE Access, 2019). This statistic underscores how vital it is to have additional security measures like lockdown mode.

We urge OnePlus to listen to its user base and reinstate this essential security feature immediately. We value our privacy and security above all else when using our devices - we believe it's time for OnePlus to prioritize these too.

Please sign this petition if you agree that OnePlus should return the lockdown feature back into their smartphones.