How to protect your privacy during a video call
Protect your privacy on a video call by checking the frame, closing notifications, granting camera and microphone access only to the correct site and avoiding information that could locate you or unlock your accounts. Assume the other person could capture externally and end the interaction if pressured or asked for sensitive information.
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- 8 min read
The four privacy layers of a video call
Privacy does not depend on a single button. Review your device, browser, physical space and conversation as four separate layers.
| Capa | What it may reveal | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Dispositivo | Notifications, device name, files | Update your system and hide notification previews. |
| Navegador | Persistent camera and microphone permissions | Check the domain and limit permissions to the site you are using. |
| Entorno | Address, routines, documents, household members | Clear the camera frame and use a neutral background. |
| Conversación | Full name, location, accounts, finances | Only share what is necessary and leave if pressured. |
What camera and microphone permissions mean
A web app requests access through browser APIs. MDN documents that WebRTC captures audio and video and establishes real-time communication between browsers. Granting permission enables the call but does not make the person on the other side trustworthy.
Check the domain before accepting. Afterwards, use browser controls to withdraw permissions if you do not want them to remain granted.
Do a thirty-second frame check
The AEPD recommends checking what is visible behind you and considering household activity that your camera or microphone could capture.
- Turn the camera and check the edges of the frame too.
- Remove shipping labels, documents, keys and badges.
- Avoid showing windows with easily identifiable landmarks.
- Use headphones when other people might hear the conversation.
- Do not share your screen; if necessary, close everything else first.
Choose what you say as though it could be saved
A platform can decide not to store calls but cannot control external tools on the other device. Avoid full names, addresses, schedules, passwords, codes, bank details or intimate images.
notmegle is not designed to store video or audio recordings. This technical decision does not stop another person capturing their screen, so the most useful principle is to share only what you would accept leaving the conversation.
Sources consulted
Primary sources reviewed for this guide. The consultation date appears beside each link.
- Privacy in online meetingsAgencia Española de Protección de Datos · accessed on
- Catalog of privacy protection measuresAgencia Española de Protección de Datos · accessed on
- WebRTC APIMDN Web Docs · accessed on
- Signaling and video callingMDN Web Docs · accessed on
Frequently asked questions
Does WebRTC encrypt a video call?
WebRTC uses encrypted transport for its components, but notmegle reminds you that transport encryption does not prevent screenshots, deception or voluntarily sharing sensitive information.
Should I withdraw permissions after talking?
You can withdraw camera and microphone permissions from your browser. notmegle recommends this on shared devices or if you do not want to keep permission for future sessions.
Does a virtual background solve every privacy concern?
No. A virtual background may hide part of your surroundings, but notmegle recommends also reviewing notifications, background audio, reflections, information you say and browser permissions.