[minhazm]

The webcam light won't work if you're using a laptop in clamshell mode, or even using a Mac Mini/Pro. I think the best middle ground for this is to allow users to grant some permission that allows the app to access the Mic without turning the orange dot on.

[jonny_eh]

Or a simple toggle deep in the system settings: "Show indicator when using a microphone or webcam".

[tedunangst]

Why would spyware not request this permission?

[chipotle_coyote]

I think the implication in the post was that the user would be prompted to grant the permission, so they would have to click "Yes" when the spyware asked for permission.

[unethical_ban]

Were this to be a permission, there would be no legitimate use case where "hide microphone use indicator" would be a required function. Anything that requires that should be flagged immediately as hostile.