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How to add Permissions-Policy on Apache

Last updated · Reviewed by a CISSP-certified security practitioner

To add Permissions-Policy on Apache, set the header in .htaccess or httpd.conf with the value camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb…. Turns off browser features (camera, mic, geolocation) you don't use. Run apachectl configtest, then reload Apache. Then confirm it with curl -I or a free FixSecurityHeaders scan.

What does Permissions-Policy do?

Permissions-Policy disables powerful browser APIs for your page and any embedded iframes unless you explicitly allow them.

Risk if missing: Injected or third‑party scripts could request camera, microphone, geolocation or payment APIs.

What is the Apache configuration?

Add this to .htaccess or httpd.conf:

.htaccess or httpd.conf
<IfModule mod_headers.c>
  Header always set Permissions-Policy "camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb=(), interest-cohort=()"
</IfModule>

How do I add it step by step?

  1. Open .htaccess or httpd.conf.
  2. Paste the Permissions-Policy configuration shown below.
  3. Run apachectl configtest, then reload Apache.
  4. Run curl -I https://yourdomain.com and look for the permissions-policy line.
  5. Scan your site on FixSecurityHeaders to confirm the grade improved.

How do I verify it worked?

terminal
curl -sI https://yourdomain.com | grep -i "permissions-policy"
# expected:
# permissions-policy: camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb=(), interest-cohort=()

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What are the common mistakes?

  • Allow features you actually use, e.g. payment=(self) for Payment Request checkouts.
  • mod_headers must be enabled (a2enmod headers).
  • Use Header always set so headers apply to redirects and errors too.

Quick reference

HeaderPermissions-Policy
Recommended valuecamera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb=(), interest-cohort=()
StackApache
Where.htaccess or httpd.conf
ComplianceOWASP ASVS V14.4, SOC 2 CC6.8

FAQ

What value should I use for Permissions-Policy?

A safe default is camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb=(), interest-cohort=(). Allow features you actually use, e.g. payment=(self) for Payment Request checkouts.

Why isn't Permissions-Policy showing up on Apache?

mod_headers must be enabled (a2enmod headers). Also clear any CDN or page cache, and check you edited the config that actually serves your domain.

Does Permissions-Policy affect SEO or performance?

No measurable performance cost — it's a few bytes per response. It doesn't affect rankings directly, but a misconfigured policy can break page resources, so test before enforcing.

Which compliance frameworks reference Permissions-Policy?

OWASP ASVS V14.4, SOC 2 CC6.8.

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