First of all, make sure your computer is clean of all trojans/spyware as they can sometimes override the permission request of the webcam in Messenger by providing the permissions themselves. If necessary, post a HJT log file so that me or swatkat can take a look if you have malware. But otherwise, if you are using a good firewall and the latest version of Yahoo Messenger, rest assured no one will be able to view your webcam WITHOUT your explicit permission if your PC is clean. Can you please provide details on the "surprises" that you were talking about and if necessary, we can do a bit more analysis on the same. I still maintain that you cannot view someone's webcam without their explicit permission. Anonymous access is allowed, but that too only with your permission.