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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  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
    2020-12-25T05:44:23+00:00

    Hi Alex,

    You ask me to contact you in case Edge was still attempting to enable my webcams. Long story short, I uninstall Edge. BUT the issue continued when using Google Chrome. So I uninstalled it too. Since then I AM NOT GETTING THE NOTIFICATIONS ANYMORE.  There is a group labeled "Trusted Installers" that is NOT on the local machine with windows 10 that enable apps to pull stuff we the consumer have no control over. Since the uninstall of Edge and Chrome, I am getting notifications from my antivirus that a invalid certificate from

    staging.to-do.officeppe.com is trying to install. It has "remote computer" capabilities, so I DO NOT allow the installation of the cert. Oddly, the install always attempt when my computer is idle (on but not being used by me for 2 or more hours). Looking at my registry, there are 2 path for the cert but one is off with a ^34 ending.  apphostregistrationverifier.exe is not doing it's job and I have NO CONTROL on it as a consumer.  Microsoft is wrong for pushing such a group on computers without local control. "Trusted Group" should be in the hands of the consumer and whatever antivirus protection the consumer choose. The Barzey guy is right about API's being controlled/affected. Clearly in the EULA, Microsoft takes no responsibility, but it still doesn't mean that they have no responsibility, especially when they take away our ability to completely control our computer. I don't trust "Trusted Installer" group and no one should. We get that Apple and Google pulls this but Apple monitors Apps a lot better than Microsoft or Google. C'mon, step it up or get out the field Apple and Google are playing. Man the ports !

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-12-19T21:54:58+00:00

    My settings are set for apps to request permission to access the webcam, and yet Edge is allowed to do it without asking me for permission. ??? Malware.... and it gives malware even more opportunity to create havoc.

    Bottom line Peggy: You have no idea WHAT your software is doing behind the scenes. Computer viruses were around before the internet made them popular; several well known applications were - and probably still are - rolled out with hidden trojans and other malware.

    Edge in particular seems to have many versions for different localities, some which allow the User to turn off camera access, others which don't have this option. Reading through this thread it also appears that even Microsoft doesn't fully know what's going on with Edge.

    I still use Edge - but I'm glad I have Norton to block camera access. Hopefully (!) there's nothing else hidden in there.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-12-19T21:32:55+00:00

    If you are using Norton 360 you can take command of the Webcam and what it allows. Just click on 'Security' then the 'Safecam' icon where you will see TWO options 'Settings' & 'Access' . Click 'Access' where you will see any programmes that can access your Webcam together with a drop down list at the side of them in which you can select 'Ask' or 'Block' or 'Allow' and make your selection. I have mine on 'BLOCK' for Microsoft Edge and 'ASK' for my Webcam. Norton still pops out a message from the side though informing me that 'Microsoft Edge' has been BLOCKED each time but I like that - its VERY reassuring to know that Edge cannot get through at all especially when doing Online Banking and the like.

    I hope this helps.

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-12-09T16:37:58+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

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