Your screen is being observed

Question

Level 1

17 points

Your screen is being observed

I have a MBP 2020 running Big Sur 11.2.3 which I have recently setup with a docking station to connect to an external monitor and other peripherals. Whenever my MBP is connected to the docking station, my login screen displays the message: Your screen is being observed.

If I use my MBP by itself, away from the docking station, I do not get this message.

Checking my Mac's Sharing preferences, the only listed item that is checked is Printer Sharing. Screen Sharing (along with all other settings) is Off.

I have installed DisplayLink on my MBP in order for it to recognise the external monitor via the docking station (without DisplayLink, my MBP cannot detect the external monitor through the docking station). Apart from that, I cannot think of any other software that could pose an issue.

Is this message to be expected given the setup that I have described? If not, what else should I check / look for?

Posted on Apr 4, 2021 7:38 PM

Reply

Answer 1

MrMWOT Author

Level 1

17 points

Apr 7, 2021 11:49 PM in response to chuck_3rd

Thank you for your reply. Based on your response, I've looked into both the support material for the docking station as well as the developer of the DisplayLink software. It turns out that the DisplayLink software is what is triggering the warning in Big Sur; DisplayLink's support pages informed me why.

Many thanks.

Reply

Answer 2

chuck_3rd

Community Specialist

Apr 5, 2021 1:49 PM in response to MrMWOT

Hello MrMWOT,

It sounds as though your Mac is prompting you a message stating that the display is being observed when an external dock is connected to your Mac. With having isolated the message t only appearing when the dock is in use it's likely related to the dock, and may best be addressed by the dock manufacturer.

If this is a work or school computer there is a possibility that the company or educational institution installed remote desktop feature. If so, you would want to contact the admin or IT department for additional information.

Have a great day.

Reply

Your screen is being observed

Similar questions