Wisdom of blocking web cam on M1 MBA

[Del Martes]

Hi, I just picked up a base model M1 MBA. I’m thinking about blocking the web cam with a right-sized piece of paper for privacy concerns. I did the same on my to-be-traded-in mid-13 13” MBA. Is it wise to do the same on the new mac? I heard from somewhere that the ambient light sensor was built around the web cam in the post 2013 mac laptops, so if the web cam is blocked, the ambient light sensor would be blocked as well and not working.

Any other gotchas that I’m not aware of?

Is it a good idea to block the web cam on the new M1 MBA?

 

[chown33]

I use a piece of transparent tape on the camera of my MacBook Pro 2012. It's commonly known in the US as "Scotch tape". It's translucent, rather than being completely clear.

 

[Del Martes]

I use a piece of transparent tape on the camera of my MacBook Pro 2012. It's commonly known in the US as "Scotch tape". It's translucent, rather than being completely clear.

So the Scotch tape won’t interfere with the functioning of the ambient light sensor?

(BTW, I know what Scotch tape is. You are talking to an American.)

 

[chown33]

You can try it and see whether you like it or not. It's easily reversible.

I no longer use the ALS, but when I used it for a few days after getting the MBP, it didn't seem to interfere at all. Enough light gets through it can sense bright, medium, and dark w/o a problem.

One other benefit is it doesn't leave a sticky residue like some other solutions, such as electrical tape.

For absolutely no residue at all, try an office-supply store or Walmart, and find a product called Post-it Flags. They're colored page-marking flags on translucent plastic, with the typical weakly sticky Post-it adhesive. One package should last a long time. Because they're less sticky than Scotch tape, they're more likely to fall off, but they can be trimmed down to a size where that's less likely.

 

[Del Martes]

Found this while doing the research:

Don't close your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with a cover over the camera - Apple Support

Closing your Mac laptop with a camera cover on it might damage your display. Designed to protect your privacy, Mac laptops have a camera indicator light to let you know when the camera is on.

support.apple.com

Guess I'll have to leave the cam alone. If I really feel like covering it, I'll put a piece of non-adhesive paper over it, and then remove it, before I shut the lid.

 

[chabig]

Do you also block the camera on your phone? How about the microphones? If you are really concerned about privacy you should.

 

[Del Martes]

Do you also block the camera on your phone? How about the microphones? If you are really concerned about privacy you should.

That's a good point. Also the iPad, lol.

 

[hobowankenobi]

The odds of unknown activation of a camera on a Mac is very, very low. I only know of one hack ever that accomplished it, which was patched long ago. And that was before T2 security chip, SIP, and other recent changes. Even more drastic security with M1 as I understand it, as well as with macOS 11.

Go ahead if it makes you feel good...but it is basically a placebo.

How about the microphones?

If your Mac can be hacked, what about your data?

It is a slippery slope.

One might consider an active tool to monitor...like this. I don't use it, as I don't believe the threat is substantial...so I can't vouch for it.

 

[Successful Sorcerer]

I don't think it's necessary either. Next to Apple having a lot of security built in like T2 and the camera is built hardware wise it can' function without the light going on. The usability of hacking a camera also is a quite a bit lower than for example keyloggers, malware, ransomware, hd acces etc.

If your employer requires it or something Apple states the cover should be 0.1 mm which is the thickness of standard paper and leave no residue.

More tips on the Apple website.