Apple has issued a rather stern warning to MacBook owners who value their privacy enough to install camera covers. Such modifications have been found to have the potential to damage the screen, a problem so widespread that Apple has released support documentation to warn customers of the risks.

"Closing a Mac notebook with the camera cover in place can damage the display because the clearance between the display and keyboard is designed to very tight tolerances," Apple wrote in the document first discovered by MacRumors

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That is certainly a possibility, as the above photo of a cracked 16-inch MacBook Pro on Reddit shows. But Apple also has another reason for recommending that users not cover the camera: "Covering the built-in camera can interfere with the ambient light sensor, causing features such as auto brightness and True Tone to stop working.

"As an alternative to a camera cover, use the camera indicator light to determine if the camera is active and determine which apps can use the camera in System Preferences. The camera is designed so that it will not activate unless the indicator light is on, so you always know if someone is secretly accessing it without your knowledge.

If you don't trust the technical solution, or your employer mandates it, Apple has a few tips to help you cover the camera without risking serious damage. Use a cover that is "no thicker than average printer paper" or, if that is not possible, remove it before closing the MacBook lid. You should also avoid covering the camera with anything that remains sticky, for obvious reasons."

Why would you want to cover a laptop camera to reduce its functionality? Theoretically, because of both privacy and security risks and the possibility of being hijacked by cybercriminals. That is why the former head of the FBI advocated covering the cameras in 2016. If you're worried about corporate surveillance capabilities, knowing that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg also covers his cameras probably won't help your paranoia.

In short, covering your webcam may be a good idea, but try to do it safely. As the Reddit victim above explains, the cost of not doing so is very high. If the buyer had not had AppleCare Plus, the repair would have cost $1,970 CAD (~$1,550) and taken up to three weeks. You have been warned...