Is it a bad idea to give app permission to record screen?

[hajime]

Hi, some apps such as displaylink require us to give permission to record screen. Will this create a security risk? Even some may consider that displaylink is reliable, is there a possibility that some malicious apps make use of this to cause security risk in our Mac system?

 

[DarkPremiumCho]

Yes but I don't think Apple would allow other apps to exploit displaylink's existing permissions.

 

[hajime]

Thanks. So if I can avoid using displaylink, better not to install it?

 

[Big Bad D]

Some apps need the access to work the way intended. In the support or FAQ, the app developer will often explain why access is needed. So it's a balance between risk and what you functionally want an app to do. I don't use Displaylink so offer no view, but I do use other trusted apps which need access.

 

[Nermal]

I think Apple's terminology could be creating a bit of confusion. DisplayLink needs to "see" what's on the screen so that it can send that image to the connected screen. It's not "recording" in the traditional sense.

 

[Analog Kid]

I think Apple's terminology could be creating a bit of confusion. DisplayLink needs to "see" what's on the screen so that it can send that image to the connected screen. It's not "recording" in the traditional sense.

Yeah, this has always bothered me. In truth, if it can see it, it could record it, so the wording is the pessimists view, but it does make it sound like it’s asking specifically to record the screen

 

[bogdanw]

is there a possibility that some malicious apps make use of this to cause security risk in our Mac system?

Yes.

So if I can avoid using displaylink, better not to install it?

You can give the permission only when using the app and remove it after.
System Settings - Privacy & Security - Screen Recording
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac...ty-settings-on-mac-mchl211c911f/13.0/mac/13.0