PrivacyDeck

Tangible Privacy Control. Zero Effort. Always Aware.

Built for the course Practical Privacy and Security (PPS) at LMU Munich

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Video Demonstration:

The Problem

Although privacy tools exist, they are buried deep inside complex, fragmented OS settings. There is no unified control dashboard and no immediate feedback.
Most users therefore never enable protective features, preferring convenience over security — exposing themselves to risks such as unauthorized camera/microphone access, background data leaks, and embarrassing “always-on” moments.

Our Vision

PrivacyDeck envisions a world where privacy protection requires no effort.
Awareness alone is enough.
No one ever has to worry about an embarrassing moment again.

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What is PrivacyDeck?

PrivacyDeck is a compact, USB-connected physical control panel that gives you tangible, intuitive control over all core privacy & security functions of your computer — at the press of a button or flip of a toggle.

• Personalized avatar on a small display that reflects your current privacy state via LEDs
• Physical buttons, toggles & slider for instant action
• Real-time visual & haptic feedback
• Works with Linux (fully tested on Zorin OS), partially with Windows 11, and partially with macOS

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Repository Structure

PrivacyDeck/
├── verticalPrototype/                    # First working vertical prototype
├── 3d/                                   # All 3D-printable assets (avatar, etc.)
├── lasercut/                             # Laser-cut files for the case
│
├── privacyDeck/
│   ├── os/                               # Final OS-side daemon (Python)
│   │   └── final_main_os.py              # Main daemon – recommended on Linux
│   └── piPico/                           # Code for the Raspberry Pi Pico
│       └── final_main_pico.py            # Load as main.py on the Pico
│
└── guisoftware/                          # Graphical UI prototype (digital avatar + config)

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Hardware

• Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040)
• Display: Small TFT showing webcam and audio meter
• Controls: Buttons, toggles, slider, neopixel led
• Connection: Single USB cable (power + serial communication)

Early vertical prototype:

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Software

1. Raspberry Pi Pico (hardware side)

1. Copy privacyDeck/piPico/final_main_pico.py to the Pico as main.py and also include all other files
2. The Pico will automatically run and expose a serial port

2. Host OS Daemon (Linux / Windows)

1. cd privacyDeck/os
2. Make sure the serial port of the Pico is free
3. Run:

   python3 final_main_os.py

   (or python final_main_os.py on Windows)

Tested & fully working on:

• Linux – Zorin OS (primary development platform) Windows 11 – partially integrated (some triggers work with GUI solutions, full testing pending) macOS – partially integrated (some triggers work, full testing pending)

3. GUI Software Prototype (optional but awesome)

Located in guisoftware/. Shows a beautiful digital avatar, live privacy status, and full configuration of every button/toggle. Integration to the Python Daemon pending.

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How to Get Started (Quick Guide)

1. Laser-cut the enclosure (lasercut/)
2. 3D-print the avatar holder and details (3d/)
3. Flash the Pico with final_main_pico.py
4. Connect everything via USB
5. Run final_main_os.py on your computer
6. Enjoy instant, physical privacy control!

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Team

• Franziska Oberländer
• Mustafa Durani
• Tristan Häuser
• Simon Rödig

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Course
Practical Privacy and Security (PPS)
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)
Winter Semester 2025/26

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Made with ❤️ for privacy that finally feels effortless.