Your smartphone may be watching you: what the green dot reveals

The article explains that a green or orange dot on your smartphone screen signals an app accessing the camera or microphone. These privacy indicators are used on iPhones with iOS 14 and on Android 12+. If the dot appears without reason, it is recommended to check app permissions and disable access for suspicious programs.

The article on Cursor Info explains the meaning of green and orange dots appearing at the top of a smartphone screen. These privacy indicators, introduced on iPhones with iOS 14 and on Android from version 12, signal that an app has accessed the camera or microphone. A green dot on iPhone indicates camera use (possibly simultaneously with the microphone), while an orange dot indicates only microphone use. On Android, a green dot indicates use of either component. The author, Tomer Adoni, citing CHIP, recommends paying special attention if the indicator appears without an obvious reason—when the user is not taking photos, recording videos, or using voice functions. In such cases, he advises identifying the app that gained access, checking its permissions, and disabling them if access is not needed for the app's core functions. If suspicious activity continues, it is recommended to use security tools and consider a factory reset as a last resort. The article is informative and precautionary in nature, with no signs of manipulation.