To ask if anyone knows why internet ads with moving graphics give you the option to allow or deny them access to your webcam?

[DaisyLovesMetronidazole]

Right clicked on one of them by mistake the other day, Saw a 'settings' button. Clicked out of curiosity.

One of the settings involved allowing or denying access to your webcam.

If I'm honest, it gave me a bit of a fright. I sometimes read the internet wearing underwear/nightie/a towel. I sincerely hope they can't and this is some kind of blanket setting for other programmes.

Anyone know anything about this?

[BertieBotts]

You'd know if your webcam was operating as most of them have a little light on. If not - unplug when not in use. (Not sure what you could do on a laptop - tape a bit of paper over it?)

I think it is a blanket setting meant for other programmes such as browser-based messengers, and things like facebook has an option to record a video straight from your webcam. BUT just because it's meant for other applications, doesn't mean a provider of advertising couldn't use it.

[BertieBotts]

Although to be fair I think it would pretty much be company suicide to include webcam access in an advert.

[DaisyLovesMetronidazole]

I use a laptop and it has no light. To be fair, the ones I came across were set on deny.

The sites I use are largely limited to Mumsnet and non-parenting message boards, so I'd hope they're fairly safe.

The Mark Warner one that sometimes plays on the top of Mumsnet has no settings option even though it's in Adobe Flash Player, so not sure what that means.

[DaisyLovesMetronidazole]

Anyone have any other ideas?

And am I being ridiculous to be concerned about this?

[BertieBotts]

It says actually here that it will always ask your permission first:

"Note that the Flash Player asks your permission before allowing an application to access your camera or microphone. See Privacy pop-up question."

[DaisyLovesMetronidazole]

Bertie, you are brilliant!

I realise this most likely makes me sound like a paranoid loon, but I did get a fright!

[BertieBotts]

No I think it's pretty sensible to be concerned! :) But it seems like Adobe have covered their own backs with the warning system, so not an issue unless someone finds a way to circumvent that. You could always go into your global settings though and set it to always deny. I expect that is the default anyway.

[DaisyLovesMetronidazole]

Well that's something.

Also, I don't think my webcam runs unless I actually click on it, but I couldn't swear on that.

I've set it to always deny now, but no idea what setting was prior to that!

Thanks for your help.