Researchers developed a lie detector application

Researchers are looking at ways to make smartphones a lie detector tool. Computer experts at the University of Copenhagen are developing algorithms that can detect honesty and lies by analyzing how you swipe or tap your smartphone.

When you lie, the interaction will take longer and you will do more hand gestures when compared to the interactions when you are honest, according to a research report to be released today.

This algorithm named Veritaps will display a green check icon when a truthful statement goes into the smartphone and will show a red question mark icon when it detects a suspicious question. The application provides an opportunity for the recipient of the message to request more information on the sender of the message. Unfortunately, this trial app can only be used on Android and is not available to the general public.

Aske Mottelson, one of the authors of this report, says that Veritaps ability to detect lies has similar concepts to polygraphs. The app has limitations and should not be used in courtrooms or other situations that require high accuracy, he said.

Veritaps makers do three studies to find out how lies affect user interaction with mobile devices. They find, liars usually take longer to answer it.