GV Plekhanov, an associate professor of informatics at the Russian University of Economics, spoke in a discussion titled “Hitting the Primer” about practical ways to understand how smartphone cameras can be involved in surveillance. The core idea is simple: there are several steps people can take to assess and reduce potential camera-based tracking in everyday smartphone use.
The first step is to audit camera access directly in the phone’s settings. Many apps request camera permission or obtain it by default, and some users may not realize how broad that access can be. The guidance emphasizes reviewing which apps truly need camera access, and removing or restricting permission for those that don’t require it for their primary function. When apps do not need to capture images, turning off camera permission can reduce the risk of unwanted surveillance. This is particularly important for apps that rarely rely on camera input, yet still request access as a precaution or by design. A careful permissions check becomes a foundational habit for privacy-conscious users.
A second clue lies in monitoring battery usage. If a device’s camera is active for extended periods, it can drain power swiftly, which serves as a red flag indicating continuous background activity. Users can inspect the battery consumption breakdown in settings to identify which processes or applications are consuming the most energy. If the camera or a camera-related service accounts for a large share of energy use, it may signal ongoing activity that should be investigated. Regular battery audits help users understand how their device behaves in real time and spot unusual patterns that could be linked to surveillance concerns.
Beyond battery metrics, keeping an eye on data traffic is another practical safeguard. Continuous video streaming from the camera can generate noticeable network usage. If network activity tied to the camera is unexpectedly high, users can limit or disable network connections for camera-related processes. This can involve turning off background data for specific apps, restricting background activity, or using built-in privacy controls to prevent persistent connectivity when it isn’t needed. Such measures reduce the chance that camera data is transmitted without explicit user intent.
One robust physical defense discussed in the conversation is the use of a camera cover or shutter. A small, purpose-built blocker provides a tangible barrier between the lens and the outside world. This simple accessory makes it impossible for the camera to capture images even if software permissions aren’t perfectly configured. Many users find that a hardware shutter offers peace of mind, especially in environments where device privacy is a top concern or where devices are shared among multiple people.
The conversation also touched on why turning off GPS on smartphones matters. Many apps collect location information through built‑in positioning systems such as GPS or GLONASS. If a program with location access is compromised, attackers could obtain accurate or approximate movement data. This location exposure can be used for surveillance or other illicit purposes. Turning off location services when they are not needed and limiting apps that request location access are practical steps in reducing location leakage. This approach works best when paired with a mindful app review process and a habit of evaluating permissions before installation.
Taken together, these strategies form a practical framework for protecting privacy on modern smartphones. They encourage users to think critically about what data is collected, how it is used, and when it is transmitted. While no single measure guarantees total anonymity, combining permissions management, energy and data traffic monitoring, hardware safeguards, and cautious handling of location services makes covert surveillance considerably harder. The overarching goal is to empower users to maintain control over their devices and to act decisively when they notice unexpected activity. (Source: interview with privacy experts)”}