Skip to main content
Protect My Mac — FreeNo credit card required

Only when websites ask. Like any browser, Arc requests Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording at the macOS level so websites can use them — but each site still has to ask you separately inside Arc. Arc itself isn't watching you. To check on your Mac, open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and review the Camera, Microphone, Screen & System Audio Recording, Accessibility, and Full Disk Access lists for Arc.

Security/App Permissions

Web Browser

Does Arc access your camera, mic, or screen?

Only when websites ask. Like any browser, Arc requests Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording at the macOS level so websites can use them — but each site still has to ask you separately inside Arc. Arc itself isn't watching you.

Arc's permission profile

Screen Recording
Optional
Microphone
Optional
Camera
Optional
Accessibility
No
Full Disk Access
No

“Used” = needed for a core feature · “Optional” = only for a specific feature · “No” = not normally requested

Why Arc requests these

macOS grants the permission to Arc as a whole, then Arc gates it per-site. Video-call sites need camera/mic; screen-share sites need Screen Recording.

What to watch for

Audit per-site camera/mic grants inside Arc's settings — that's where over-permissioned sites hide, not in macOS. Revoke Arc's macOS Screen Recording if you never screen-share on the web.

How to check Arc's permissions on your Mac

  1. 1macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera / Microphone / Screen Recording → look for Arc.
  2. 2In Arc: open Settings and review per-site camera and microphone permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arc spying on my browsing through these permissions?

No. The macOS permission only lets websites you approve use the camera/mic. Manage per-site access inside Arc's settings.

See everything Arc (and every other app) can access

A free CoreLock Security Score lists every app with screen-recording, mic, camera, accessibility, or full-disk access — and flags the risky ones — in about 60 seconds.

Get your free Security Score

Free · 100% on your Mac · No account

Audit every app's permissions — free

Don't check apps one at a time. CoreLock scans your whole Mac and shows you exactly which apps can see your screen, hear your mic, or read your files.

Download CoreLock Free

Available for macOS and Windows