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. The 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 needing any personal information or creating usernames and passwords.
Why Camera Access Is Required
To scan that QR code, the app briefly needs permission to use the phone’s camera. The camera is only used for this one-time pairing process.
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:
No personal accounts or student information is stored.
There’s no ongoing camera or microphone access.
Parents keep control—permissions can be removed after setup.