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[https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/ Lockdown Browser], or LockDown Browser, is a custom web browser that locks down a student's computer for examination purposes, it often is integrated with Learning Management Systems, such as [https://www.instructure.com/canvas Canvas], [https://www.powerschool.com/products/classroom/learning-management/ Schoology], etc.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2026-06-17 |title=LockDown Browser Resources |url=https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/resources/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002160459/https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/resources/ |archive-date=2024-10-02 |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Respondus.com}}</ref> The first documented version released in 2016<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-29 |title=LockDown Browser Version History |url=https://respondus.com/support/ldbverhist.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129214919/https://respondus.com/support/ldbverhist.php |archive-date=2020-11-29 |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Respondus.com}}</ref>, and it grew in relevance during and after the Covid-19 Lock-downs<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Trend - Searches on LockDown Browser |url=https://trends.google.com/explore?q=lockdown%2520browser&date=all&geo=Worldwide |url-status=live}}</ref>.
'''Lockdown Browser''', alternatively '''LockDown Browser''', is a custom web browser that locks down a student's computer for examination purposes and marketed as a tool to ''"prevent cheating during online exams."'' It's often integrated with {{Wplink|learning management system}}s (LMS), such as {{Wplink|Instructure|Canvas}}, {{Wplink|Schoology}}, etcetera.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author= |title=LockDown Browser Resources |url=https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/resources/ |website=Respondus |date=17 Jun 2026 |access-date=17 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002160459/https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/resources/ |archive-date=2 Oct 2024}}</ref> The first version was released in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=LockDown Browser Version History |url=https://respondus.com/support/ldbverhist.php |website=Respondus |date=19 Nov 2020 |access-date=11 Sep 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911171857/https://www.respondus.com/support/ldbverhist.php|archive-date=11 Sep 2024}}</ref> and it grew in relevance during and after the {{Wplink|COVID-19 pandemic}}.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Google Trend - Searches on LockDown Browser |url=https://trends.google.com/explore?q=lockdown%2520browser&date=all&geo=Worldwide |website=[[Google]] |date=31 May 2026 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260620002703/https://consumerrights.wiki/w/File:Lockdown_Browser_on_Google_Trends_2026.png |archive-date=20 Jun 2026}}</ref>


Lockdown Browser integrates with Respondus Monitor. The former is mainly responsible for preventing students to access their computer functionalities during exams, and the latter is mainly responsible for monitoring the students during examinations. The restriction of access include disabling of browser toolbar, windows feature (such as print screen, accessing computer's tool bar), the ability to exit the application, the ability to power off the computer, keyboard functions, and more.<ref name=":0" />  
Lockdown Browser integrates with Respondus Monitor. The former is mainly responsible for preventing students from accessing their computers' other functionalities during exams, and the latter is mainly responsible for monitoring the students during examinations. The access restrictions include disabling of the browser toolbar, Windows features (such as print screen, accessing the computer's tool bar), the ability to exit the application, the ability to power off the computer, keyboard functions, and more.<ref name=":0" />  


==Impact-Summary==
==Consumer impact summary==
{{Incomplete section}}
===User freedom===
In terms of freedom, aside from browser restrictions, the decision for students to opt out of LockDown Browser lies not with Respondus but varies between institutions. The following is the Opt-Out policy from Respondus Monitor's student Terms of Use:
<blockquote>''[1] d. OPT-OUT. If you cease to agree with these Terms, or the privacy and security policy below at some point in the future, you may opt-out by contacting your Institution. However, opting-out may affect how you will need to complete your course, and your Institution makes no representations regarding how it will affect your relevant course or any ramifications from opt-out (e.g., you may not be able to complete the requirements of such course). As such, we encourage you to speak with your instructor before opting out.''<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Terms of Use - Respondus Monitor (Student) |url=https://web.respondus.com/tou-monitor-student/ |website=Respondus |date=15 Jan 2026 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260123114802/https://web.respondus.com/tou-monitor-student/ |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref></blockquote>
 
===User privacy===
According the Respondus's Privacy Policy,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Privacy Center |url=https://web.respondus.com/privacy-policy/ |website=Respondus |date=12 Sep 2025 |access-date=17 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260530053053/https://web.respondus.com/privacy-policy/ |archive-date=30 May 2026}}</ref> LockDown Browser accesses private information depending on institutional policies, such as using facial recognition, ''"internet and network activity information,"'' screen captures, and more. Researchers such as Balash et al. call software like Lockdown Browser to be ''"invasive monitoring tools"'' and surveyed privacy concerns among students<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Balash |first1=David G. |last2=Kim |first2=Dongkun |last3=Shaibekova |first3=Darikia |last4=Fainchtein |first4=Rahel A. |last5=Sherr |first5=Micah |last6=Aviv |first6=Adam J. |display-authors=3 |title=Examining the Examiners: Students’ Privacy and Security Perceptions of Online Proctoring Services |url=https://arxiv.org/abs/2106.05917 |website=arxiv |date=10 Jun 2021 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302054253/https://arxiv.org/abs/2106.05917 |archive-date=2 Mar 2026 |arxiv=2106.05917}}</ref> Further, in ''Ogletree v. Cleveland State University'', the U.S. District Court concluded the following:
<blockquote>Based on consideration of these factors, individually and collectively, the Court concludes that Mr. Ogletree’s privacy interest in his home outweighs Cleveland State’s interests in scanning his room. Accordingly, the Court determines that Cleveland State’s practice of conducting room scans is unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calabrese |first=J. Philip |title=''Ogletree v. Cleveland State University'' (1:2021cv00500) - Document 37 |url=https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/ohio/ohndce/1:2021cv00500/275187/37/0.pdf |website=Justia |date=22 Aug 2022 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220164909/https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/ohio/ohndce/1:2021cv00500/275187/37/0.pdf |archive-date=20 Dec 2022 |format=PDF}}</ref></blockquote>


===Student Privacy===
In response to the ruling, Respondus gave the following statement as it updated its own privacy policy and terms of use:
According the Respondus's Privacy Policy<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-12 |title=Privacy Center |url=https://web.respondus.com/privacy-policy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260530053053/https://web.respondus.com/privacy-policy/ |archive-date=2026-05-30 |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Respondus.com}}</ref>, LockDown Browser access many private information depending on institutional policies, such as using facial recognition, "internet and network activity information," screen captures, and etc. Researchers like Balash et al. call softwares like Lockdown Browser to be "invasive monitoring tools" and surveyed privacy concerns amongst students<ref>Balash, D. G., Kim, D., Shaibekova, D., Fainchtein, R. A., Sherr, M., & Aviv, A. J. (2021, June 10). ''Examining the Examiners: Students’ Privacy and Security Perceptions of Online Proctoring Services''. ArXiv.org. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2106.05917</nowiki></ref>. Further, in Ogletree v. Cleveland State University<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ogletree v. Cleaveland State University |url=web.respondus.com/wp- content/uploads/2023/02/Doc-50-Amended-Opinion-and-Order-Ogletree.pdf. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/ohio/ohndce/1:2021cv00500/275187/37/}}</ref>, the U.S. District Court concluded the following:<blockquote>Based on consideration of these factors, individually and collectively, the Court concludes that Mr. Ogletree’s privacy interest in his home outweighs Cleveland State’s interests in scanning his room. Accordingly, the Court determines that Cleveland State’s practice of conducting room scans is unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment.</blockquote>In response to the ruling, Respondus gave the following statement<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-14 |title=Our Take on the Ogletree Ruling |url=https://web.respondus.com/ogletree/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811075746/https://web.respondus.com/ogletree/ |archive-date=2025-08-11 |access-date=2026-06-17}}</ref> as it updated its own privacy policy and terms of use:<blockquote>Respondus has taken several steps to help universities strengthen their online testing policies. First, it has added the following paragraph to the boilerplate text that universities often use for their portion of the Student Terms of Use for Respondus Monitor.
<blockquote>Respondus has taken several steps to help universities strengthen their online testing policies. First, it has added the following paragraph to the boilerplate text that universities often use for their portion of the Student Terms of Use for Respondus Monitor.


''If your institution or instructor permits you to use Respondus Monitor at a non-university location, you agree to select a location that meets any and all university guidelines. If the location you choose is a home or personal environment, you agree to allow your activity and surrounding workspace to be recorded by video and audio and then analyzed by the Respondus Monitor system.''  
''If your institution or instructor permits you to use Respondus Monitor at a non-university location, you agree to select a location that meets any and all university guidelines. If the location you choose is a home or personal environment, you agree to allow your activity and surrounding workspace to be recorded by video and audio and then analyzed by the Respondus Monitor system.''  
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Similar text has been added to the Terms of Use section that is between Respondus and the student:
Similar text has been added to the Terms of Use section that is between Respondus and the student:


''If you are using Respondus Monitor at your home or in a personal area, you agree to allow your activity and surrounding workspace area to be recorded by video and audio and then to be analyzed by the Respondus Monitor system.''</blockquote>Others criticize that the LockDown Browser creates stress for students and fails to create academic integrity amongst privacy issues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuevas |first=Heidi |date=2025-07-18 |title=Student Perspective: Lockdown browsers create anxiety, not integrity |url=https://panthernow.com/2025/06/18/lockdown-browsers-create-anxiety-not-integrity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260316083625/https://panthernow.com/2025/06/18/lockdown-browsers-create-anxiety-not-integrity/ |archive-date=2026-03-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Margaret |date=2021-03-11 |title=Lockdown Browsers: Protecting Integrity or Invading Privacy? |url=https://cuatower.com/2021/03/lockdown-browsers-protecting-integrity-or-invading-privacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241117121331/https://cuatower.com/2021/03/lockdown-browsers-protecting-integrity-or-invading-privacy/ |archive-date=2024-11-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Swauger |first=Shea |date=2020-08-07 |title=Software that monitors students during tests perpetuates inequality and violates their privacy |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/07/1006132/software-algorithms-proctoring-online-tests-ai-ethics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260518134137/https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/07/1006132/software-algorithms-proctoring-online-tests-ai-ethics/ |archive-date=2026-05-18 |access-date=2026-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Sean |date=2020-12-02 |title=Lockdown Browser is bad software and should be scrapped |url=https://mytjnow.com/2020/12/02/lockdown-browser-is-bad-software-and-should-be-scrapped/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930200501/https://mytjnow.com/2020/12/02/lockdown-browser-is-bad-software-and-should-be-scrapped/ |archive-date=2022-09-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Critical Analysis of Respondus LockDown Web Browser |url=https://osuosc.org/events/2008-10-17-critical-analysis-of-respondus-lockdown-web-browser/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelley |first=Jason |date=2020-08-20 |title=Proctoring Apps Subject Students to Unnecessary Surveillance |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/08/proctoring-apps-subject-students-unnecessary-surveillance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260520222519/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/08/proctoring-apps-subject-students-unnecessary-surveillance}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pham |first=Vivian |date=2021-04-30 |title=Lockdown browsers fail to create a culture of academic integrity |url=https://retriever.umbc.edu/2021/04/lockdown-browsers-fail-to-create-a-culture-of-academic-integrity-they-invade-student-privacy-and-harm-student-health/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005194426/https://retriever.umbc.edu/2021/04/lockdown-browsers-fail-to-create-a-culture-of-academic-integrity-they-invade-student-privacy-and-harm-student-health/}}</ref>
''If you are using Respondus Monitor at your home or in a personal area, you agree to allow your activity and surrounding workspace area to be recorded by video and audio and then to be analyzed by the Respondus Monitor system.''<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Our Take on the Ogletree Ruling |url=https://web.respondus.com/ogletree/ |website=Respondus |date=14 Feb 2023 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811075746/https://web.respondus.com/ogletree/ |archive-date=11 Aug 2025}}</ref></blockquote>


===User Freedom===
Others criticize that the LockDown Browser creates stress for students and fails to create academic integrity among privacy issues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuevas |first=Heidi |title=Student Perspective: Lockdown browsers create anxiety, not integrity |url=https://panthernow.com/2025/06/18/lockdown-browsers-create-anxiety-not-integrity/ |website=PantherNOW |date=18 Jul 2025 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260316083625/https://panthernow.com/2025/06/18/lockdown-browsers-create-anxiety-not-integrity/ |archive-date=16 Mar 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Margaret |title=Lockdown Browsers: Protecting Integrity or Invading Privacy? |url=https://cuatower.com/2021/03/lockdown-browsers-protecting-integrity-or-invading-privacy/ |website=The Tower |date=11 Mar 2021 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241117121331/https://cuatower.com/2021/03/lockdown-browsers-protecting-integrity-or-invading-privacy/ |archive-date=17 Nov 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Sean |title=Lockdown Browser is bad software and should be scrapped |url=https://mytjnow.com/2020/12/02/lockdown-browser-is-bad-software-and-should-be-scrapped/ |website=The Johnsonian |date=2 Dec 2020 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930200501/https://mytjnow.com/2020/12/02/lockdown-browser-is-bad-software-and-should-be-scrapped/ |archive-date=30 Sep 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Critical Analysis of Respondus LockDown Web Browser |url=https://osuosc.org/events/2008-10-17-critical-analysis-of-respondus-lockdown-web-browser/ |website=Open Source Club |date=17 Oct 2008 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260620033402/https://osuosc.org/events/2008-10-17-critical-analysis-of-respondus-lockdown-web-browser/ |archive-date=20 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kelley |first1=Jason |last2=Oliver |first2=Lindsay |title=Proctoring Apps Subject Students to Unnecessary Surveillance |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/08/proctoring-apps-subject-students-unnecessary-surveillance |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=20 Aug 2020 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260520222519/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/08/proctoring-apps-subject-students-unnecessary-surveillance |archive-date=20 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pham |first=Vivian |title=Lockdown browsers fail to create a culture of academic integrity |url=https://retriever.umbc.edu/2021/04/lockdown-browsers-fail-to-create-a-culture-of-academic-integrity-they-invade-student-privacy-and-harm-student-health/ |website=The Retriever |date=30 Apr 2021 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005194426/https://retriever.umbc.edu/2021/04/lockdown-browsers-fail-to-create-a-culture-of-academic-integrity-they-invade-student-privacy-and-harm-student-health/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref>
In terms of freedom, aside from browser restrictions, the decision for students to opt out of LockDown Browser lies not with Respondus but varies between institutions. The following is the Opt-Out policy from Respondus Monitor's student Terms of Use:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-15 |title=Terms of Use - Respondus Monitor (Student) |url=https://web.respondus.com/tou-monitor-student/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260123114802/https://web.respondus.com/tou-monitor-student/ |archive-date=2026-01-23}}</ref><blockquote>d. OPT-OUT. If you cease to agree with these Terms, or the privacy and security policy below at some point in the future, you may opt-out by contacting your Institution. However, opting-out may affect how you will need to complete your course, and your Institution makes no representations regarding how it will affect your relevant course or any ramifications from opt-out (e.g., you may not be able to complete the requirements of such course). As such, we encourage you to speak with your instructor before opting out.</blockquote>


===Business Models===
===Business model===
Respondus primarily markets LockDown Browser towards educational institutions as their direct customers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LockDown Browser - Pricing |url=https://web.respondus.com/k12/lockdownbrowser/pricing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260330061906/https://web.respondus.com/k12/lockdownbrowser/pricing/}}</ref> The end users for LockDown Browser are the students, and the surrounding monitoring tools are primarily used by test proctors, whether they be hired proctors, instructors, teaching assistants, or otherwise. However, this had led to the concern that end users are not involved in the decision process in software that may negatively impact their computer (see incident).
Respondus primarily markets Lockdown Browser towards educational institutions as their direct customers.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Pricing + Free Pilot |url=https://web.respondus.com/k12/lockdownbrowser/pricing/ |website=Respondus |date= |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260330061906/https://web.respondus.com/k12/lockdownbrowser/pricing/ |archive-date=30 Mar 2026}}</ref> The end users for Lockdown Browser are the students, and the surrounding monitoring tools are primarily used by test proctors, whether they be hired proctors, instructors, teaching assistants, or otherwise. However, this has led to the concern that end users are not involved in the decision process in software that may negatively impact their computer (see incidents section).


===Market Control===
===Market control===
...
{{Incomplete section}}


==Incidents==
==Incidents==
===Causing Computer Instability on Windows===


===Causing computer instability on Microsoft Windows===
As of writing, no news source had covered these incidents; only technical forums, institutional IT help, and posts from Respondus Support Team had mentioned LockDown Browser damaging student's computer throughout the years. Due to these issues, LockDown Browser had been informally criticized as "malware." Some of the damages and issues include:
As of writing, no news source had covered these incidents; only technical forums, institutional IT help, and posts from Respondus Support Team had mentioned LockDown Browser damaging student's computer throughout the years. Due to these issues, LockDown Browser had been informally criticized as "malware." Some of the damages and issues include:


*Registry File tampering and disabling of Task Manager on Windows across restarts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-16 |title=Respondus lockdown browser messed up my PC. |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3903381/respondus-lockdown-browser-messed-up-my-pc |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-19 |title=Our University forced us to download a malware for online classes |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3717759/our-university-forced-us-to-download-a-malware-for |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-28 |title=Notebook Windows OS damaged after using Lockdown Browser |url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/Notebook-Windows-OS-damaged-after-using-Lockdown-Browser/td-p/8821507}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-24 |title=LockDown Browser has caused issues within my laptop's driver. |url=https://community.instructure.com/en/discussion/567478/lockdown-browser-has-caused-issues-within-my-laptops-driver}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-28 |title=I restarted my computer while LockDown Browser was running. Windows Task Manager is now greyed out. |url=https://archive.md/HgFeS |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.md/HgFeS}}</ref>
*Registry file tampering and disabling of Task Manager on [[Windows]] across restarts.<ref>{{Cite web |author=<!-- Anonymous --> |title=Respondus lockdown browser messed up my PC. |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3903381/respondus-lockdown-browser-messed-up-my-pc |website=[[Microsoft]] |date=16 Feb 2025 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260619185226/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3903381/respondus-lockdown-browser-messed-up-my-pc |archive-date=19 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=<!-- Anonymous --> |title=Our University forced us to download a malware for online classes |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3717759/our-university-forced-us-to-download-a-malware-for |website=[[Microsoft]] |date=19 Sep 2020 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/U7wA8 |archive-date=19 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=XanderDL |title=Notebook Windows OS damaged after using Lockdown Browser |url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/Notebook-Windows-OS-damaged-after-using-Lockdown-Browser/td-p/8821507 |website=[[HP]] |date=28 Jul 2023 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260619190330/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/Notebook-Windows-OS-damaged-after-using-Lockdown-Browser/td-p/8821507 |archive-date=19 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=MoroniPerez |title=LockDown Browser has caused issues within my laptop's driver. |url=https://community.instructure.com/en/discussion/567478/lockdown-browser-has-caused-issues-within-my-laptops-driver |website=The Infrastructure Community |date=24 Apr 2023 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ec3ha |archive-date=19 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=I restarted my computer while LockDown Browser was running. Windows Task Manager is now greyed out. |url=https://support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409607171611-I-restarted-my-computer-while-LockDown-Browser-was-running-Windows-Task-Manager-is-now-greyed-out |website=Respondus |date=4 Nov 2021 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250928161113/https://support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409607171611-I-restarted-my-computer-while-LockDown-Browser-was-running-Windows-Task-Manager-is-now-greyed-out |archive-date=28 Sep 2025}}</ref>
*Inability to power-off one's computer; Computer freezing requiring hard computer restart.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LockDown Browser froze during a test and I cannot exit. |url=https://support.respondus.com/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/155/25/lockdown-browser-froze-during-a-test-and-i-cannot-exit |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.md/cp1L3}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Troubleshooting Respondus Lockdown Browser Exam Issues |url=https://support.ti.davidson.edu/hc/en-us/articles/360040486733-Troubleshooting-Respondus-Lockdown-Browser-Exam-Issues |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Respondus LockDown Browser, it will not open or closes itself |url=https://helpdesk.concord.edu/kb/article/138-respondus-lockdown-browser-it-will-not-open-or-closes-itself/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-06-11 |title=LockDown Browser Froze While Taking an Exam |url=https://vlac.lonestar.edu/help/a306}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=LockDown Browser Issue: Disabling Power Options |url=https://kb.uconn.edu/space/TL/26699759719/LockDown+Browser+Issue:+Disabling+Power+Options |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
*Requiring the disabling of anti-virus software, firewall software, and other components of Windows Defender to install or use LockDown Browser.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Feature Transfer Error" during install of LockDown Browser |url=https://support.respondus.com/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/518/25/feature-transfer-error-during-install-of-lockdown-browser |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.md/rj0Z7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor |url=https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/310/respondus/students |url-status=live}}</ref>
*Inability to power-off one's computer; Computer freezing requiring hard computer restart.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=LockDown Browser froze during a test and I cannot exit. |url=https://support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409607186203-LockDown-Browser-froze-during-a-test-and-I-cannot-exit |website=Respondus |date=1 Feb 2022 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250928161113/https://support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409607186203-LockDown-Browser-froze-during-a-test-and-I-cannot-exit |archive-date=28 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Troubleshooting Respondus Lockdown Browser Exam Issues |url=https://support.ti.davidson.edu/hc/en-us/articles/360040486733-Troubleshooting-Respondus-Lockdown-Browser-Exam-Issues |website=Davidson Technology & Innovation |date= |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804184641/https://support.ti.davidson.edu/hc/en-us/articles/360040486733-Troubleshooting-Respondus-Lockdown-Browser-Exam-Issues |archive-date=4 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Respondus LockDown Browser, it will not open or closes itself |url=https://helpdesk.concord.edu/kb/article/138-respondus-lockdown-browser-it-will-not-open-or-closes-itself/ |website=Concord University |date=10 Nov 2020 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260314094419/https://helpdesk.concord.edu/kb/article/138-respondus-lockdown-browser-it-will-not-open-or-closes-itself/ |archive-date=14 Mar 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=LockDown Browser Froze While Taking an Exam |url=https://vlac.lonestar.edu/help/a306 |website=Lone Star College |date=11 Jun 2026 <!-- "Last modified" --> |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260309022823/https://vlac.lonestar.edu/help/a306 |archive-date=9 Mar 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=LockDown Browser Issue: Disabling Power Options |url=https://kb.uconn.edu/space/TL/26699759719/LockDown+Browser+Issue:+Disabling+Power+Options |website=University of Connecticut |date=20 Feb 2024 <!-- "Last updated" --> |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0620-0435-39/https://kb.uconn.edu:443/space/TL/26699759719/LockDown+Browser+Issue:+Disabling+Power+Options |archive-date=19 Jun 2026}}</ref>
 
*Requiring the disabling of anti-virus software, firewall software, and other components of Windows Defender to install or use LockDown Browser.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title="Feature Transfer Error" during install of LockDown Browser |url=https://support.respondus.com/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/518/25/feature-transfer-error-during-install-of-lockdown-browser |website=Respondus |date= |access-date=28 Nov 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260619195704/https://consumerrights.wiki/w/File:Lockdown_Browser_feature_transfer_error_support_article.png |archive-date=19 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor |url=https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/310/respondus/students |website=Seneca Polytechnic |date= |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260619201905/https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/310/respondus/students |archive-date=19 Jun 2026 |quote='''I’m having trouble installing/using the Respondus LockDown Browser and my anti-virus software.''' Temporarily disable anti-virus software by turning off your anti-virus and firewall software while using the browser.}}</ref>


===Class Action on Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (2023)===
===''Veiga, et al. v. Respondus Inc.,'' settlement (''2023'')===
Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires any private companies collecting biometric data from people to obtain informed written consent first, and the lawsuit claim that Respondus violated BIPA through Respondus Monitor, though Respondus denies the allegations. In the settlement for ''Veiga, et al. v. Respondus Inc.,'' Respondus agreed to resolve the class action lawsuit with 6.25 Million USD; anyone who took an exam with Respondus Monitor while in Illinois between Nov. 11, 2015, and June 2, 2023 is affected.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-22 |title=Respondus online exam BIPA $6.25M class action lawsuit settlement |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/respondus-online-exam-bipa-6-25m-class-action-lawsuit-settlement/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-23 |title=Respondus online exam BIPA $6.25M class action lawsuit settlement 2023: Scam or Legit? Find Out! |url=https://www.planetofreviews.com/respondus-online-exam-bipa-6-25m/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=If you took an online exam in Illinois using Respondus Monitor® you may be entitled to compensation as part of a class action settlement |url=https://www.advfn.com/stock-market/stock-news/91357500/if-you-took-an-online-exam-in-illinois-using-respo |url-status=live}}</ref>  
Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires any private companies collecting biometric data from people to obtain informed written consent first, and the lawsuit claimed that Respondus violated BIPA through Respondus Monitor, though Respondus denied the allegations. In the settlement for ''Veiga, et al. v. Respondus Inc.,'' Respondus agreed to resolve the class action lawsuit with $6.25 Million USD; anyone who took an exam with Respondus Monitor while in Illinois between 11 November 2015 and 2 June 2023 was eligible. The claims deadline was 30 August 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Respondus online exam BIPA $6.25M class action lawsuit settlement |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/respondus-online-exam-bipa-6-25m-class-action-lawsuit-settlement/ |website=Top Class Actions |date=22 Jun 2023 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306142319/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/respondus-online-exam-bipa-6-25m-class-action-lawsuit-settlement/ |archive-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Precious |title=Respondus online exam BIPA $6.25M class action lawsuit settlement 2023: Scam or Legit? Find Out! |url=https://www.planetofreviews.com/respondus-online-exam-bipa-6-25m/ |website=Planet of Reviews |date=23 Jun 2023 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251110102755/https://www.planetofreviews.com/respondus-online-exam-bipa-6-25m/ |archive-date=10 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Kroll Settlement Administration |title=If you took an online exam in Illinois using Respondus Monitor® you may be entitled to compensation as part of a class action settlement |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/if-you-took-an-online-exam-in-illinois-using-respondus-monitor-you-may-be-entitled-to-compensation-as-part-of-a-class-action-settlement-301852733.html |website=PR Newswire |date=16 Jun 2023 |access-date=19 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260619234409/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/if-you-took-an-online-exam-in-illinois-using-respondus-monitor-you-may-be-entitled-to-compensation-as-part-of-a-class-action-settlement-301852733.html |archive-date=19 Jun 2026}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[:Category:Surveillance]]
*[[:Category:Surveillance]]
*[[GoGuardian]]
*[[GoGuardian]]
*[[VitalSource]]<br />
*[[VitalSource]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Latest revision as of 03:56, 20 June 2026

Lockdown Browser
Basic Information
Release Year 2016
Product Type Software, Web browser
In Production yes
Official Website https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/


Lockdown Browser, alternatively LockDown Browser, is a custom web browser that locks down a student's computer for examination purposes and marketed as a tool to "prevent cheating during online exams." It's often integrated with learning management systems (LMS), such as Canvas, Schoology, etcetera.[1] The first version was released in 2016,[2] and it grew in relevance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]

Lockdown Browser integrates with Respondus Monitor. The former is mainly responsible for preventing students from accessing their computers' other functionalities during exams, and the latter is mainly responsible for monitoring the students during examinations. The access restrictions include disabling of the browser toolbar, Windows features (such as print screen, accessing the computer's tool bar), the ability to exit the application, the ability to power off the computer, keyboard functions, and more.[1]

Consumer impact summary

[edit | edit source]

User freedom

[edit | edit source]

In terms of freedom, aside from browser restrictions, the decision for students to opt out of LockDown Browser lies not with Respondus but varies between institutions. The following is the Opt-Out policy from Respondus Monitor's student Terms of Use:

[1] d. OPT-OUT. If you cease to agree with these Terms, or the privacy and security policy below at some point in the future, you may opt-out by contacting your Institution. However, opting-out may affect how you will need to complete your course, and your Institution makes no representations regarding how it will affect your relevant course or any ramifications from opt-out (e.g., you may not be able to complete the requirements of such course). As such, we encourage you to speak with your instructor before opting out.[4]

User privacy

[edit | edit source]

According the Respondus's Privacy Policy,[5] LockDown Browser accesses private information depending on institutional policies, such as using facial recognition, "internet and network activity information," screen captures, and more. Researchers such as Balash et al. call software like Lockdown Browser to be "invasive monitoring tools" and surveyed privacy concerns among students[6] Further, in Ogletree v. Cleveland State University, the U.S. District Court concluded the following:

Based on consideration of these factors, individually and collectively, the Court concludes that Mr. Ogletree’s privacy interest in his home outweighs Cleveland State’s interests in scanning his room. Accordingly, the Court determines that Cleveland State’s practice of conducting room scans is unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment.[7]

In response to the ruling, Respondus gave the following statement as it updated its own privacy policy and terms of use:

Respondus has taken several steps to help universities strengthen their online testing policies. First, it has added the following paragraph to the boilerplate text that universities often use for their portion of the Student Terms of Use for Respondus Monitor.

If your institution or instructor permits you to use Respondus Monitor at a non-university location, you agree to select a location that meets any and all university guidelines. If the location you choose is a home or personal environment, you agree to allow your activity and surrounding workspace to be recorded by video and audio and then analyzed by the Respondus Monitor system.

Similar text has been added to the Terms of Use section that is between Respondus and the student:

If you are using Respondus Monitor at your home or in a personal area, you agree to allow your activity and surrounding workspace area to be recorded by video and audio and then to be analyzed by the Respondus Monitor system.[8]

Others criticize that the LockDown Browser creates stress for students and fails to create academic integrity among privacy issues.[9][10][11][12][13][14]

Business model

[edit | edit source]

Respondus primarily markets Lockdown Browser towards educational institutions as their direct customers.[15] The end users for Lockdown Browser are the students, and the surrounding monitoring tools are primarily used by test proctors, whether they be hired proctors, instructors, teaching assistants, or otherwise. However, this has led to the concern that end users are not involved in the decision process in software that may negatively impact their computer (see incidents section).

Market control

[edit | edit source]

This section is incomplete. This notice can be deleted once all the placeholder text has been replaced.

Incidents

[edit | edit source]

Causing computer instability on Microsoft Windows

[edit | edit source]

As of writing, no news source had covered these incidents; only technical forums, institutional IT help, and posts from Respondus Support Team had mentioned LockDown Browser damaging student's computer throughout the years. Due to these issues, LockDown Browser had been informally criticized as "malware." Some of the damages and issues include:

  • Inability to power-off one's computer; Computer freezing requiring hard computer restart.[21][22][23][24][25]
  • Requiring the disabling of anti-virus software, firewall software, and other components of Windows Defender to install or use LockDown Browser.[26][27]

Veiga, et al. v. Respondus Inc., settlement (2023)

[edit | edit source]

Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) requires any private companies collecting biometric data from people to obtain informed written consent first, and the lawsuit claimed that Respondus violated BIPA through Respondus Monitor, though Respondus denied the allegations. In the settlement for Veiga, et al. v. Respondus Inc., Respondus agreed to resolve the class action lawsuit with $6.25 Million USD; anyone who took an exam with Respondus Monitor while in Illinois between 11 November 2015 and 2 June 2023 was eligible. The claims deadline was 30 August 2023.[28][29][30]

See also

[edit | edit source]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "LockDown Browser Resources". Respondus. 17 Jun 2026. Archived from the original on 2 Oct 2024. Retrieved 17 Jun 2026.
  2. ↑ "LockDown Browser Version History". Respondus. 19 Nov 2020. Archived from the original on 11 Sep 2024. Retrieved 11 Sep 2024.
  3. ↑ "Google Trend - Searches on LockDown Browser". Google. 31 May 2026. Archived from the original on 20 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  4. ↑ "Terms of Use - Respondus Monitor (Student)". Respondus. 15 Jan 2026. Archived from the original on 23 Jan 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  5. ↑ "Privacy Center". Respondus. 12 Sep 2025. Archived from the original on 30 May 2026. Retrieved 17 Jun 2026.
  6. ↑ Balash, David G.; Kim, Dongkun; Shaibekova, Darikia; et al. (10 Jun 2021). "Examining the Examiners: Students' Privacy and Security Perceptions of Online Proctoring Services". arxiv. arXiv:2106.05917. Archived from the original on 2 Mar 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  7. ↑ Calabrese, J. Philip (22 Aug 2022). "Ogletree v. Cleveland State University (1:2021cv00500) - Document 37" (PDF). Justia. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 Dec 2022. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  8. ↑ "Our Take on the Ogletree Ruling". Respondus. 14 Feb 2023. Archived from the original on 11 Aug 2025. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  9. ↑ Cuevas, Heidi (18 Jul 2025). "Student Perspective: Lockdown browsers create anxiety, not integrity". PantherNOW. Archived from the original on 16 Mar 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  10. ↑ Adams, Margaret (11 Mar 2021). "Lockdown Browsers: Protecting Integrity or Invading Privacy?". The Tower. Archived from the original on 17 Nov 2024. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  11. ↑ Miller, Sean (2 Dec 2020). "Lockdown Browser is bad software and should be scrapped". The Johnsonian. Archived from the original on 30 Sep 2022. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  12. ↑ "Critical Analysis of Respondus LockDown Web Browser". Open Source Club. 17 Oct 2008. Archived from the original on 20 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  13. ↑ Kelley, Jason; Oliver, Lindsay (20 Aug 2020). "Proctoring Apps Subject Students to Unnecessary Surveillance". Electronic Frontier Foundation. Archived from the original on 20 May 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  14. ↑ Pham, Vivian (30 Apr 2021). "Lockdown browsers fail to create a culture of academic integrity". The Retriever. Archived from the original on 5 Oct 2025. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  15. ↑ "Pricing + Free Pilot". Respondus. Archived from the original on 30 Mar 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  16. ↑ "Respondus lockdown browser messed up my PC". Microsoft. 16 Feb 2025. Archived from the original on 19 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  17. ↑ "Our University forced us to download a malware for online classes". Microsoft. 19 Sep 2020. Archived from the original on 19 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  18. ↑ XanderDL (28 Jul 2023). "Notebook Windows OS damaged after using Lockdown Browser". HP. Archived from the original on 19 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  19. ↑ MoroniPerez (24 Apr 2023). "LockDown Browser has caused issues within my laptop's driver". The Infrastructure Community. Archived from the original on 19 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  20. ↑ "I restarted my computer while LockDown Browser was running. Windows Task Manager is now greyed out". Respondus. 4 Nov 2021. Archived from the original on 28 Sep 2025. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  21. ↑ "LockDown Browser froze during a test and I cannot exit". Respondus. 1 Feb 2022. Archived from the original on 28 Sep 2025. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  22. ↑ "Troubleshooting Respondus Lockdown Browser Exam Issues". Davidson Technology & Innovation. Archived from the original on 4 Aug 2025. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  23. ↑ "Respondus LockDown Browser, it will not open or closes itself". Concord University. 10 Nov 2020. Archived from the original on 14 Mar 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  24. ↑ "LockDown Browser Froze While Taking an Exam". Lone Star College. 11 Jun 2026. Archived from the original on 9 Mar 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  25. ↑ "LockDown Browser Issue: Disabling Power Options". University of Connecticut. 20 Feb 2024. Archived from the original on 19 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  26. ↑ ""Feature Transfer Error" during install of LockDown Browser". Respondus. Archived from the original on 19 Jun 2026. Retrieved 28 Nov 2021.
  27. ↑ "Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor". Seneca Polytechnic. Archived from the original on 19 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026. I'm having trouble installing/using the Respondus LockDown Browser and my anti-virus software. Temporarily disable anti-virus software by turning off your anti-virus and firewall software while using the browser.
  28. ↑ "Respondus online exam BIPA $6.25M class action lawsuit settlement". Top Class Actions. 22 Jun 2023. Archived from the original on 6 Mar 2025. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  29. ↑ Precious (23 Jun 2023). "Respondus online exam BIPA $6.25M class action lawsuit settlement 2023: Scam or Legit? Find Out!". Planet of Reviews. Archived from the original on 10 Nov 2025. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
  30. ↑ Kroll Settlement Administration (16 Jun 2023). "If you took an online exam in Illinois using Respondus Monitor® you may be entitled to compensation as part of a class action settlement". PR Newswire. Archived from the original on 19 Jun 2026. Retrieved 19 Jun 2026.
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