Since the last few years, we have seen that people are taking the problems of privacy and security very seriously since they have seen that hacking incidents have increased a lot. We have seen how smartphone OEMs, as well as software makers, have set up rules where if a camera is being used then the users will be alerted. However, this is the case with smartphones but there are cameras on laptops and some desktops as well. In this case, it is for users to keep their information private rather than relying on software.
At the moment, we have two prominent software running for a desktop that is either based on macOS or Windows. On Windows, some OEMs have started to provide privacy shutters where the webcam can be closed if not in use. For Mac, however, we don’t have the same from Apple so people use external webcam shutters or tapes. Using tape on any laptop is fine but the problem with camera cover is that they are not designed for the laptop so they are often not fitting with the laptop while in the closed position.
We have seen that many people use their Macbook with a camera cover and they close the laptop with the cover placed on top. This is dangerous and there are reports of display cracks caused by this. Now, Apple has also issued a warning saying that users should not close their Macbook lids with camera covers placed on top. In no way does Apple say not to use camera covers but they should be removed when the laptop is off is what they are saying.
Apple says that:
“If you close your Mac notebook with a camera cover installed, you might damage your display because the clearance between the display and keyboard is designed to very tight tolerances. Covering the built-in camera might also interfere with the ambient light sensor and prevent features like automatic brightness and True Tone from working. As an alternative to a camera cover, use the camera indicator light to determine if your camera is active, and decide which apps can use your camera in System Preferences”.
If you have seen Macbooks that have a line right down the middle of the display also known as a display fracture then camera cover is most likely to be the cause of this. People who have Apple Care+ can get their laptops fixed even if the display is damaged due to camera cover but those who don’t get Apple Care will have to pay from their pockets and it will be very expensive to repair the display.
