(Yicai Global) June 29 -- A new smartphone featuring an innovative retracting camera released by Chinese smartphone maker Vivo Communication Technology has brought to light possible permissions violations by rogue applications.

The phone marks a step forward in user control over device permissions as it is capable of detecting apps that covertly try to use the camera without a user's knowledge.

A video posted online shows the handset's front camera retracting suddenly when browsing the website of online travel agency Ctrip.Com within Tencent Holding's QQ mobile browser.

Engineers at Vivo confirmed that the camera pops out when an app activates its right to access the camera. Theoretically, apps with the right to access the camera may activate the right to take and upload photos in the background.

The QQ browser team confirmed that the camera indeed retracts at times when used but the action does not mean it will take pictures or videos. The app does not collect users' private information, the statement stressed.

Editor: William Clegg