Google Chrome using my webcam.

Hi all, I noticed Google Chrome is using the webcam when I access to YouTube.


Attach the POC: https://vimeo.com/875115751

I don't know for what reason Google and Chrome have this behavior, but is Google making this with a computer, I don't want to imagine what Google doing in Android phones.

Maybe Google Chrome uses the webcam because I have a channel on YouTube? Possibly a false alarm? I don't know, I need your opinions to solve my inquietude.

Thanks.

All the best.

 

Of course Chrome don't use it and what can anyone else here think if it's your local problem, your own settings and choice. Moreover, your settings do not depend on anyone's opinion, but on what you do or have done there.
And if you are really afraid of being watched, cover the camera.

 

They're definitely listening. When YouTube suggests videos related to conversations I had earlier in the day, there is no other explanation.

 

Looks like Kaspersky? You should be able to set a rule to block Chrome from accessing the webcam. Ever.

 

My Juno laptop (Ubuntu) has a little plastic sliding cover to hide the webcam. It's pretty standard on Juno laptops.

 

I only plugged my USB webcam for this.

 

It's not using your webcam per se. It's just checking if you have a webcam. It's a rather common notification for many Kaspersky users. Maybe the website you were visiting made Chrome check that.
BTW, people have asked this question before. Search online and you'll probably find an even better explanation than what I provided.

 

Thanks!

 

That must be nice. Mine just has a little strip of painters tape.

 

Never asked me for permission to use the webcam.

 

Same idea, mine's probably less sticky though lol.

 

My Thinkpad has a builtin sliding cover, inside the screen casing. Quite nice. However both sliding covers and stickers don't stop someone from recording from your microphone.
If you don't regularly need your webcam/mic, maybe you can disable it in bios. Most consumer hardware is quite limited in bios options, so maybe that's not possible.
For me, using Qubes OS, I need to explicitly attach my webcam/mic to a VM first anyway

 

My work laptop has built-in sliding cover. It covers only visible light camera unfortunately, leaving accompanying IR camera uncovered. So I am using rubber cover on top. I can take it off just before a scheduled meeting in a second or two
After work I am reusing this rubber cover for personal laptop. I should buy second pair