Why Does LockDown Browser Need My Camera Permission on Mac?
LockDown Browser asks for camera permission on Mac because Respondus Monitor (the paid add-on) needs it for webcam recording. The base LockDown Browser does not strictly need camera; the prompt fires anyway because Monitor sometimes turns on per-quiz at the institution's discretion.
macOS' permission system asks once per app for camera access. Respondus prompts on first launch because they need camera before any quiz can use it. Even if your current quiz does not use Monitor, future ones might, and prompting in the middle of an exam would break the flow. The permission stays granted until you revoke it manually in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. If you want the overlay invisible during a Monitor exam, grant the permission - the overlay's privacy is independent of the camera permission state.
Key points
- Camera permission is for Respondus Monitor.
- No-Monitor exams do not use the camera.
- Monitor turns on per quiz at the instructor's discretion.
- Revoking the permission breaks Monitor exams.
- The LDBypass overlay's invisibility is independent of camera permission.
Common questions
Can I revoke camera permission to "lie" about Monitor?
Monitor refuses to start without camera. The exam will not launch.
Does denying camera prevent screen recording?
No - those are separate permissions (Camera vs Screen Recording).
Why does Monitor want the screen recording permission too?
Recording the screen requires it; no permission, no screen capture.