How to block zoom from connecting to a webcam on Linux?

[theGoat]

I have multiple webcams.  When zoom tries to connect to one of them, that is already in use in a different program,  it causes it to malfunction.  There is a second webcam that works fine in zoom and that is what I want zoom to use always.

Specifically when I use the <share screen><Content from 2nd Camera> feature in zoom, I have to cycle through all the webcams to reach the one I want.  This causes zoom to connect to the wrong webcam and causes it to malfunction, every time.

Is there a way to block zoom from connecting to the wrong webcam?  Or a way to hide it from zoom?

This is on Linux.

[Derouenkamryn23]

To block Zoom from accessing your webcam on Linux, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify the Webcam Device: Use the command to list all video devices. Your webcam will typically be or a similar entry.

2. Remove User Permissions: Change the permissions of the webcam device so that Zoom can't access it. Use replacing  with your webcam device.

3. Create an APK Package to Automate: (Example) Develop an APK (Automated Permission Kit) that runs this command automatically at startup or before launching Zoom. This apk could be a simple script.

4. Test the Configuration: Open Zoom and try to access the webcam to ensure it's blocked.

5. Re-enable Webcam Access: When you need the webcam, revert the permissions using.

[theGoat]

Thanks for the idea.  The example commands to change file permissions are missing from your reply.

Regardless, changing the file permissions of the webcam device won't work.  I need to access the webcam from another application (OBS studio).  Blocking access with file permissions will block both applications.