Editing Webcam (section)

=== Videotelephony ===
{{Further|Videotelephony||}}
[[File:TJ Cox talks with Caruthers Unified and CSBA.jpg|alt=Six people talking|thumb|A video call session with use of webcams]]
Webcams can be added to [[instant messaging]], text chat services such as [[AOL Instant Messenger]], and [[VoIP]] services such as [[Skype]], one-to-one live video communication over the Internet has now reached millions of mainstream [[Personal computer|PC]] users worldwide. Improved video quality has helped webcams encroach on traditional video conferencing systems. New features such as automatic lighting controls, real-time enhancements (retouching, wrinkle smoothing and vertical stretch), automatic [[Facial motion capture|face tracking]] and autofocus, assist users by providing substantial ease-of-use, further increasing the popularity of webcams.

Webcams can also encourage [[remote work]], enabling people to work remotely via the Internet. This usage was crucial to the survival of many businesses during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], when in-person office work was discouraged. Businesses, schools, and individuals have relied on video conferencing instead of spending on business travel for meetings. Moreover, the number of video conferencing cameras and software have multiplied since then due to their popularity. 

Webcam features and performance can vary by [[computer program|program]], [[operating system|computer operating system]], and also by the computer's [[Central processing unit|processor]] capabilities. Video calling support has also been added to several [[List of video telecommunication services and product brands#Software clients –free instant messaging programs|popular instant messaging programs]].

Webcams allow for inexpensive, real-time [[Videotelephony|video chat]] and [[Webcast|webcasting]], in both amateur and professional pursuits. They are frequently used in [[online dating]] and for online personal services offered mainly by women when [[camgirl]]ing. However, the ease of webcam use through the Internet for video chat has also caused issues. For example, moderation system of various video chat websites such as [[Omegle]] has been criticized as being ineffective, with sexual content still rampant.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Problems with Omegle Girls and Free Chat Services |url=http://www.omeglegirlschat.com/omegle-controversy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903121614/http://www.omeglegirlschat.com/omegle-controversy |archive-date=3 September 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |publisher=OmegleGirlsChat}}</ref> In a 2013 case, the transmission of nude photos and videos via Omegle from a teenage girl to a schoolteacher resulted in a [[child pornography]] charge.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ex-band teacher pleads guilty to porn charge with girl, 16 |url=http://www.jconline.com/article/20130426/NEWS03/304260027/child-porn-former-teacher-nude-photos |access-date=14 May 2013 |publisher=jconline.com}}</ref>

The popularity of webcams among teenagers with Internet access has raised concern about the use of webcams for [[cyber-bullying]].<ref>Poeter, Damon. "[https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2401701,00.asp Webcam Peeper Convicted in Rutgers Cyberbullying Case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810211439/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2401701,00.asp|date=2017-08-10}}," ''[[PC Magazine]],'' March 16, 2012.</ref> Webcam recordings of teenagers, including underage teenagers, are frequently posted on popular Web forums and [[imageboard]]s such as [[4chan]].<ref>[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/4chan-reports-child-pornographer-769123 Tip From 4chan Leads To Arrest Of Site Visitor On Child Porn Charges] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328075524/http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/4chan-reports-child-pornographer-769123|date=2012-03-28}}," ''[[The Smoking Gun]],'' February 27, 2012.</ref><ref>Goodin, Dan. [https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/13/predator_indictment/ Feds: bald man posing as 17-year-old secretly taped teens] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210191631/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/13/predator_indictment|date=2017-12-10}}," ''[[The Register]]'' (UK), October 13, 2009.</ref>