Why does the new version of edge want to turn my web camera "ON"

Anonymous
2020-04-12T01:23:18+00:00

I have been using the new version of edge for a while now and have come to notice every time it loads up the software tries to turn the webcam connected to the computer "ON".

As I do not use Skype or there is no reason for Edge to need the camera I find it unreasonale for Microsoft to think it has a right to spy on me at my computer by using the camera without asking.I have put black tape over the camera lens on every computer I own that has a camera ( 2 Desktops and 3 Laptops).

This begs me to wonder what other means Microsoft is using to spy on our computers without our consent, I do wonder if there are people who have computers in their bathrooms and do not know they are being watched via the pinhole camera on top of the screen or watching some ones daughter as she is doing her homework on her computer unaware the camera is looking down her cleavage.

Microsoft Edge | Open the browser | Windows 10

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-04-15T03:17:23+00:00

    Oh, bud I have a firm grip as this isn't my first rodeo... Just because I didn't mention chrome, or any other browser on a Microsoft related forum doesn't mean I'm obolivious to how these platforms operate. I'm simply making a point about privacy rights. Now whether it's Microsoft, Google, or God himself it's wrong. I shouldn't have to get an external software to stop you from blatantly violating my privacy.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-04-15T01:49:33+00:00

    Dude, get a grip - Chrome also accesses your webcam without notifying you. Just use Norton or some other similar service, have it disallow webcam access. Presto, problem solved!

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-04-14T20:19:34+00:00

    I totally agree with the Kaspersky solution as Norton 360 was very "iffy" while sometimes working, sometimes don't. It happens a lot with Google Chrome and less with Firefox even with the privacy settings set to full AND even with the so-called "incognito" settings. I'm being told by some developers that the request is coming from the websites themselves (not that it matters because it is like a cop allowing speeders and drunk drivers to pass on through). MOST OF THE REQUEST WAS COMING FROM THE DEFAULT MSN STARTUP/landing PAGE. what concerning is like you pretty much said, it is happening to kids. Our little daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmas! Time to bring this out of the techie closet to Mainstreet.

    Kaspersky Total Security has a privacy browser that is totally secure that is automatically enabled with banking, eBay, Amazon, and others. However, You can't set it to open automatically with everything. Additionally, cell phones are being targeted more. They collect your geo when they take the picture WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-04-14T19:53:00+00:00

    What I found extremely distrusting, unethical, and quite frankly A MAJOR violation of my right to privacy is that even though I have the most strict privacy setting activated for MS Edge, which means I have blocked all tracking cookies and third party cookies, I've blocked the mic, basically anything with an "off" option is off including camera for all sites even for MS Edge itself. So the other day I'm going through my WIndows 10 privacy settings and randomly came across this tiny little fine print that said " Microsoft last accessed webcam at blah blah blah"...... Which came as a complete shock because I have it set so that it doesn't do that. Plus, you mean to tell me Microsoft knows my preferences and decided it will access my webcam to look at me... THAT TOO WITHOUT MY CONSENT or acknowledgement of any kid...? That is usually called a criminal act in the normal world... So I reset settings to default and reselect every strict setting all-over again, except now I had downloaded Kaspersky Total Security and literally the second it finished the download/install/setup I clicked MS Edge to do some work..... WIthin seconds I get a Kaspersky notification stating "Microsoft Edge is Accessing Your Webcam" " Did you give this permission" and that is what completely had me lost for words because THREE TIMES NOW I HAVE TOLD MICROSOFT IN PLAIN ENGLISH STOP F**KING ACCESSING MY WEBCAM LIKE IM NOT ASKING FOR MUCH HERE JESUS CHRIST AND GUESS WHAT THREE TIMES MICROSOFT BASICALLY SAID "WE HEAR WHAT YOURE SAYING WE RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY BUT GO F YOURSELF WE WILL WATCH YOUR WEBCAM WHEN WE WANT DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT"...... I've been very very loyal to microsoft I don't even use chrome anymore but after this incident and blatant breach of my privacy I'm slowly going to transition away from all microsoft products as it clearly doesn't care for mine or your privacy I promise you.. In fact anyone reading this go buy Kaspersky Total Security setup safe internet and on on microsoft edge and see if you get the same notification I promise you will

    Completely agree it is so very suspicious, unauthorised and deceitful . As previously stated  I have found that Norton 360 deals with it very nicely too. ALSO We even have the Webcams covered to make sure. Another little tip to consider as they are obviously so devious is:-  NEVER read out ANY of your Passwords while typing them as they WILL be listening via your microphone set up.

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-04-14T18:32:52+00:00

    What I found extremely distrusting, unethical, and quite frankly A MAJOR violation of my right to privacy is that even though I have the most strict privacy setting activated for MS Edge, which means I have blocked all tracking cookies and third party cookies, I've blocked the mic, basically anything with an "off" option is off including camera for all sites even for MS Edge itself. So the other day I'm going through my WIndows 10 privacy settings and randomly came across this tiny little fine print that said " Microsoft last accessed webcam at blah blah blah"...... Which came as a complete shock because I have it set so that it doesn't do that. Plus, you mean to tell me Microsoft knows my preferences and decided it will access my webcam to look at me... THAT TOO WITHOUT MY CONSENT or acknowledgement of any kid...? That is usually called a criminal act in the normal world... So I reset settings to default and reselect every strict setting all-over again, except now I had downloaded Kaspersky Total Security and literally the second it finished the download/install/setup I clicked MS Edge to do some work..... WIthin seconds I get a Kaspersky notification stating "Microsoft Edge is Accessing Your Webcam" " Did you give this permission" and that is what completely had me lost for words because THREE TIMES NOW I HAVE TOLD MICROSOFT IN PLAIN ENGLISH STOP F**KING ACCESSING MY WEBCAM LIKE IM NOT ASKING FOR MUCH HERE JESUS CHRIST AND GUESS WHAT THREE TIMES MICROSOFT BASICALLY SAID "WE HEAR WHAT YOURE SAYING WE RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY BUT GO F YOURSELF WE WILL WATCH YOUR WEBCAM WHEN WE WANT DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT"...... I've been very very loyal to microsoft I don't even use chrome anymore but after this incident and blatant breach of my privacy I'm slowly going to transition away from all microsoft products as it clearly doesn't care for mine or your privacy I promise you.. In fact anyone reading this go buy Kaspersky Total Security setup safe internet and on on microsoft edge and see if you get the same notification I promise you will

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