Please could you clarify when websites get permission to access the webcam and when not (and why do they need it)?
Hello JENN. A bit more information regarding WebCam access and what its designed for is at this Norton link:
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v126148153
SA
It is a safety precaution that the Norton Safecam provides. It will allow certain common programs like Chrome or Edge access to the webcam but will ask permission for others that might be shady.
For example on my system I allow Zoom access but if some other possible malware wants access then Norton Safecam will disallow. You do not want the bad guys to view you or others in your family inside your own home via your own webcam.
Thank you and why does the browser need it?
It is not the website that needs permission.
It is the program in this case your browser which needs permission to access the webcam.