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On a 21.5 2017 iMac, can I disable the camera - cannot find a preference pane to do so. I noticed the camera turning itself on after I installed Skype. Tried all the settings there and there is no option there either. Makes me uncomfortable to have that on automatically when I do not ever have a need for it. I use Skype for computer > landline phone calls only, no video or facetime calls.
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
As KiltedTim noted you can only derive Camera privacy benefits by upgrading macOS. Mojave or later I believe.
I use Skype for computer > landline phone calls only, no video or facetime calls.
You may be interested to know that Microsoft's acquisition of Skype incorporated Microsoft's ability to harvest personal information, including but not limited to the numbers you call, connection time and duration, files sent / received, chat history, etc. Microsoft uses that information in the usual manner—to sell you stuff. They are also free to share it with their business partners, vendors, etc, and all that information is subject to subpoena. As far as anyone knows Microsoft can retain that information forever.
Skype data are not encrypted, unlike FaceTime which uses end-to-end encryption (a HIPAA requirement should that matter to you). Ditto for iMessage.
Skype has also been target of malicious attacks that have successfully intercepted and recorded calls.
At least you can reassure yourself that if the FaceTime camera LED is "off", so is the camera.
I'm with KiltedTim. If you're concerned place a whimsical sticker over the camera lens. Leave the LED uncovered just in case.
As KiltedTim noted you can only derive Camera privacy benefits by upgrading macOS. Mojave or later I believe.
I use Skype for computer > landline phone calls only, no video or facetime calls.
You may be interested to know that Microsoft's acquisition of Skype incorporated Microsoft's ability to harvest personal information, including but not limited to the numbers you call, connection time and duration, files sent / received, chat history, etc. Microsoft uses that information in the usual manner—to sell you stuff. They are also free to share it with their business partners, vendors, etc, and all that information is subject to subpoena. As far as anyone knows Microsoft can retain that information forever.
Skype data are not encrypted, unlike FaceTime which uses end-to-end encryption (a HIPAA requirement should that matter to you). Ditto for iMessage.
Skype has also been target of malicious attacks that have successfully intercepted and recorded calls.
At least you can reassure yourself that if the FaceTime camera LED is "off", so is the camera.
I'm with KiltedTim. If you're concerned place a whimsical sticker over the camera lens. Leave the LED uncovered just in case.
That one is on 10.12.6 ("new" 2017 refurb just purchased from Apple). It came with Sierra; I am in the process of determining how far (if at all) I can update it while my older apps will still be functioning.
Hmmm... I don't remember at what point that got added to the Privacy pane to be honest. Not sure if it was Catalina or Mojave. I don't think it was there in High Sierra, and it's obviously not in Sierra, as you've already proven.
In the short term, you could result to the solution my son uses (much to my shame)... he puts a band aid over the cameras on all of his devices...
Thanks, I guess that is what I will do (cover it). Fortunately, I do not use Skype for anything but occasional phone calls to landlines (which is a cost per minute service). I use that mostly to call family/friends in Europe - the calls are a fraction of the cost I'd have to pay Verizon (or anyone else here). The only other time I use it when I need to call a company or business I am not eager to share my phone number with - Skype puts a "unknown" or some gibberish number showing on their screens. I'm happy to pay $.0235/min for those. None of those calls would contain anything worth harvesting and I have no other MS product in this house; I do not use social media, Google, or Facebook. No Google account either, so the harvesting here is barely worth it. Unfortunately, i cannot make cheap calls to Europe using anything Apple: family does not use Apple devices and Verizon would be too expensive.
I also have no need for iMessage or Facetime - have never needed or used either. In fact, I have never set up iMessage and it is driving me batty: every time I log in/boot up, nothing works until the popup with "iMessage needs to update your password/Apple ID" is dismissed. I am not going to sign in to something I will never use.
If you sign in with your Apple ID iMessage won't bug you any more. You certainly don't have to use it.
I know it's odd and makes no sense but I was unable to use my Watch to unlock my Macs unless I signed into the Messages app. After that "Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac" started working again. Strange, yes. This only occurred with Mojave. It has not occurred with Catalina. It's one reason I was quick to abandon Mojave on all my Macs. I have reason to believe it may have also caused difficulties with Handoff. Yes I complained to Apple.
The reason for pointing this out is that for whatever reason Apple appears to have tied iMessage (and possibly FaceTime) to other Apple services—services that appear to be completely unrelated.
Don't think so, but you can alway deny Skype access to the camera in system preferences.
Thanks, tried that - there is no camera listed:
What version of macOS are you on?
(my screenshot is 10.15.4)
And, I just checked my MBA running Catalina and yes, there is a camera listed in that Pref Pane.
I use a piece of black electrical tape over the camera to ensure that no photo of this old lady gets on the internet...
Duct-tape over the camera. Works well as privacy from FaceTime and Skype.
Tape it is!
Ugh! Icky sticky duct tape is for ducts. I suggest Colorforms.
I was not going to duct tape, but I will take a small piece of black craft paper and gently tape it in the rear (with blue painters' tape) if/when I use Skype.
I like that idea. Sell them on Etsy. Profit!
Can (facetime) camera be disabled?
