Why The Commons Uses a QR Code for Pairing
When a student first installs The Commons, we need a secure way to connect their app to the school’s system. Most students will use SSO with their school email address.
The QR code is only for schools who do not have SSO capabilities. A QR code is like a digital handshake—it makes sure the app on the student’s phone is linked to their school’s account without requiring the student to enter personal information or create a separate Commons username and password.
Why Camera Access Is Required
To scan that QR code, the app briefly needs permission to use the phone’s camera. Camera permission is used only for one-time QR code pairing. School-day camera availability may depend on school settings.
The app does not record video or take photos.
We cannot see inside the phone or access the camera at any other time.
Once pairing is complete, you can remove camera permission in your phone settings, and the app will continue to work normally.
Why This Approach Is Safe
Using a QR code is one of the most secure and privacy‑friendly ways to connect a device to a school system. It means:
The QR code does not contain a student’s name, email address, or other directly identifying information, and students do not create a separate Commons username or password.
There’s no ongoing camera or microphone access.
Parents keep control—permissions can be removed after setup.