Dell Adding Hardware Privacy Driver For Linux

[phoronix]

Phoronix: Dell Adding Hardware Privacy Driver For Linux

Beginning in Dell's 2021 laptop models they are providing hardware-based "privacy buttons" to disable microphone and camera support. In preparations for more Dell laptops coming to market with these buttons, a Dell privacy driver is being prepared for the Linux kernel...

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Dell-Hardware-Privacy-Linux

[doomie]

niiice. it's a start..

[skeevy420]

Wow. That is great. I knew I couldn't be the only one who didn't like accessorizing my laptops with electrical tape.

[uid313]

Weird that the hardware disabled the functionality but the software turns off the LED.
Then how can you really know if its really turned off when the LED is off?

[skeevy420]

Weird that the hardware disabled the functionality but the software turns off the LED.
Then how can you really know if its really turned off when the LED is off?

For old people? Took awhile for me to explain the red light on the PS4 means off to my dad and he still doesn't like it. "Well if it's off it should be off. I don't want another f'n light in my room at night. And who TF wants that hibernate crap with the extra bright light?"

[CochainComplex]

For old people? Took awhile for me to explain the red light on the PS4 means off to my dad and he still doesn't like it. "Well if it's off it should be off. I don't want another f'n light in my room at night. And who TF wants that hibernate crap with the extra bright light?"

nice story. Sometimes Status LED are too bright (not speaking of the RGB crap) ...

This could be the starter for a low light emission distro. Turn everything off by default (LED's) - maybe some status leds not.
catchy name "Dark Room Linux" and here we go.

[Old Grouch]

I don't want a 'privacy button'. I want a switch that disconnects the power and data connections to the camera and a separate switch for the microphone. Preferably with a transparent cover so I can see the connections are discontinuous. It's fine if the PC can sense the state of the hardware switch, but the hardware disconnector should not be under software control. And while we are adding some switches, I'd like a hardware switch to disable writing firmware.

[Dovi]

I don't want a 'privacy button'. I want a switch that disconnects the power and data connections to the camera and a separate switch for the microphone. Preferably with a transparent cover so I can see the connections are discontinuous. It's fine if the PC can sense the state of the hardware switch, but the hardware disconnector should not be under software control. And while we are adding some switches, I'd like a hardware switch to disable writing firmware.

Christmas is just around the corner, maybe you can ask Santa for all that

[schmidtbag]

If it can be controlled through software, it ain't secure enough.

[Old Grouch]

I don't want a 'privacy button'. I want a switch that disconnects the power and data connections to the camera and a separate switch for the microphone. Preferably with a transparent cover so I can see the connections are discontinuous. It's fine if the PC can sense the state of the hardware switch, but the hardware disconnector should not be under software control. And while we are adding some switches, I'd like a hardware switch to disable writing firmware.

Christmas is just around the corner, maybe you can ask Santa for all that

Tappity-tappity...tappity-tappity. <Send>.

Done (I asked for a pony too).

As a matter of interest, why do you think it is unreasonable to ask for such things, which enable improved user privacy and control?