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This Library Item is available for Mac computers

Overview

The Screen Recording, Camera, Input Monitoring, & Microphone Library Item configures privacy permissions for applications that need access to protected system resources on macOS devices. This Library Item uses the Privacy Preferences Policy Control (PPPC) framework to pre-approve applications for specific services without requiring end-user interaction. Administrators can control access to sensitive system resources including screen recording capabilities, camera access, input monitoring, and microphone permissions. Once configured, approved applications can access these resources automatically, while unauthorized applications are blocked from accessing protected services.

How Screen Recording, Camera, Input Monitoring, & Microphone Works

The Library Item leverages macOS’s Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) framework, which was introduced in macOS Mojave to enhance system security. TCC requires explicit approval for applications to access protected resources known as “Services.” When an application attempts to access a protected service, macOS checks the TCC database for existing permissions. If no permission exists, the system either prompts the user for approval or blocks access entirely, depending on the configuration. The PPPC profile payload allows IT administrators to pre-approve specific applications for these services, bypassing the user approval process.

Prerequisites

Before configuring this Library Item, ensure you have:
  • Mac computers running macOS Mojave or later
  • Administrative access to the Kandji Web App
  • Knowledge of which applications require access to protected services
  • Understanding of your organization’s privacy and security requirements

Configuring the Screen Recording, Camera, Input Monitoring, & Microphone Library Item

1

Navigate to Library

Navigate to Library in the left-hand navigation bar.
2

Select Library Item

Select Screen Recording, Camera, Input Monitoring, & Microphone from the available Library Items.
3

Add to Assignment Map

Select Add to Assignment Map.
4

Configure settings

Configure the following settings based on your requirements:

Library Item Options

Screen Recording (ScreenCapture)
  • Deny: Prevents all applications from accessing screen recording capabilities
  • Allow Standard User to Approve: Permits standard users to approve screen recording access for applications (macOS Big Sur and later)
Camera Access
  • Deny: Blocks all applications from accessing the camera
  • Allow Standard User to Approve: Enables standard users to approve camera access for applications
Input Monitoring (ListenEvent)
  • Deny: Prevents applications from monitoring keyboard and mouse input
  • Allow Standard User to Approve: Allows standard users to approve input monitoring permissions (macOS Big Sur and later)
Microphone Access
  • Deny: Blocks all applications from accessing the microphone
  • Allow Standard User to Approve: Permits standard users to approve microphone access for applications

User Experience

When applications attempt to access protected services:
  • Pre-approved applications: Access granted automatically without user prompts
  • Unauthorized applications: Access blocked with no user notification
  • Standard user approval: Users see system permission dialogs for applications they can approve
Users cannot override administrator-configured permissions through System Preferences. All PPPC-managed permissions remain under administrative control.

Monitoring and Management

To verify that your PPPC profile is working correctly:
1

Open System Information

Open System Information on the target Mac computer.
2

Select Profiles

Select Profiles from the left-hand column.
3

Locate PPPC profile

Locate your profile containing the PPPC payload.
4

Expand profile details

Click the caret icon next to the profile name.
5

Verify TCC policy

Look for the “com.apple.TCC.configuration-profile-policy” entry.
This entry confirms that the profile is actively managing TCC permissions on the device.

Known Limitations

Platform Restrictions
  • Only available for Mac computers
  • Requires macOS Mojave or later for full functionality
  • Some services require macOS Big Sur or later for standard user approval options
Service-Specific Limitations
  • Microphone and Camera: Can only be denied by administrators in macOS Catalina and later
  • Screen Recording and Input Monitoring: Can be denied or configured for standard user approval in macOS Big Sur and later
  • macOS Catalina: Screen Recording and Input Monitoring can only be denied, not configured for standard user approval
Administrative Limitations
  • No workaround exists to bypass macOS PPPC protections
  • Profile-managed permissions are not visible in System Preferences
  • End users cannot modify administrator-configured permissions

Troubleshooting

Profile Not Applying
1

Verify profile assignment

Verify the profile is assigned to the correct device group.
2

Check profile installation

Check that the device has received the profile by viewing System Information > Profiles.
3

Confirm TCC policy entry

Confirm the profile contains the “com.apple.TCC.configuration-profile-policy” entry.
Applications Still Prompting for Permissions
1

Verify application approval

Verify the application is included in the approved applications list.
2

Check service permissions

Check that the correct service permissions are configured for the application.
3

Confirm profile status

Ensure the profile has been applied and is active on the device.
Standard Users Cannot Approve Applications
1

Check macOS version

Confirm the device is running macOS Big Sur or later.
2

Verify service configuration

Verify the service is configured for “Allow Standard User to Approve” rather than “Deny”.
3

Check user permissions

Check that the user has the necessary permissions to approve the specific service.

Submitting Feedback

Apple tracks feedback on PPPC items from enterprise customers. To submit feedback:
1

Access Feedback Assistant

2

Login with Managed Apple ID

Login with a Managed Apple ID from Apple Business Manager.
3

Categorize feedback

Categorize your request under Enterprise & Education > MDM.
Using a Managed Apple ID ensures your feedback is properly recorded as enterprise customer input.