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

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-12-18T14:46:31+00:00

    Many thanks Alex, Thank goodness they are onto it as it is still relentlessly trying to access the Webcam each time that 'Edge' is opened. (Thank goodness and all credit to Norton which stops it this end) I am sure that there are a huge amount of other people whom share my anxiety and will all be thankful when it is actually put right.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-12-18T13:59:14+00:00

    Thanks for sharing your version numbers and extensions! There are web APIs that websites can use to check for the presence of devices, without activating them, which lead to these notifications from antivirus software. These notifications occur not only on Microsoft Edge but on other browsers as well. The Edge team is actively investigating how to solve this problem.

    Thanks!

    -Alex

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-12-09T17:17:12+00:00

    I upgraded about a month ago to the latest Edge. Version is 87.0.664.57 64 bit. Edge still attempts to access the webcam.

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-12-09T16:52:13+00:00

    Thanks Barzey. and pscarbor for responding! 

    You both shared your version earlier in the thread but can you confirm the current Microsoft Edge version you're running on? Also, can you confirm any extensions you're running? 

    I'll sync with our product team and dig in to why you're still seeing the access notification after I have that information. 

    -Alex

    Hi Alex, Yes certainly, it stated that it was 'Up to Date and Version 87.0.664.57 plus Official Build (64 Bit). The only Extension shown are two 'Norton' items.

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