I’m not personally asking this question, but I noticed some discussion on this topic and figured it deserved it’s own thread for discoverability and keeping other threads clean. So! Why do we cover our cameras? What threat models might make this a good idea? Is it a good idea at all?
I personally do cover my camera. I’m not particularly worried about state actors spying on me through it (yet), but it gives me peace of mind that I’ll never open my photo gallery to show someone else, only for us both to find out I took a picture of something private on accident.
I also don’t completely trust that disabling the camera permission works and will always continue to work - I have no evidence of ill intent in this regard, it is just FUD on my part. I keep the permission off, but the cover provides additional reassurance.
Basically, the only reason I use the camera of my phone at all is to scan documents and read a QR code. In all other times, I keep a cover in the back and front cameras. My concern is both unauthorized camera access and accidental pictures like you mentioned.
Covering the camera is useful if there’s some kind of bypass for the camera permission in your operating system (or it doesn’t have a camera permission). If you’re not careful though it can interfere with some functionality in your OS or cause damage to your camera/screen so you have to be careful about it. It might be good to stick to machines that don’t have a camera or maybe a phone case that’s designed to have a camera cover built in.
Madaidan recommended covering cameras when not in use, but it that’s too inconvenient for you, I really wouldn’t blame you or think you’re being unsafe