Lock profile pictures via API?

[rosenbet]

We are currently pulling profile photos into Canvas from our on-campus ID card system by updating the avatar URLs via API as part of our nightly scripts. However, users can still change their picture in the Canvas GUI because they are not locked. While these user-uploaded pictures are overridden each night with the official photo (leaving little room for disaster), the fact that they have the ability to change it is causing them to think something is "wrong with Canvas" when it reverts overnight.

Is there a way, via the API, to bulk "lock" profile pictures or to lock them as we update them via our script?

[kona]

 @rosenbet , this isn't my area of expertise, but I'm wondering if some custom global javascript could be used to hide that option. I'm going to share this with the Canvas Developers‌ group in the Community to see if they can help!

Kona

[j_avneri]

Hi there,

Just wondering if there has been any update in how photos can be locked in bulk?

Many thanks

Joe 

[j_avneri]

I've just actually seen an idea in the community that has been created for this and is open for voting, you can view it here:  Ability to lock users' profile pictures through the API

[rudeb]

Hey there!  So i know this is a little late, but I have been going through the same problems that you have. I have done a little research and I found there are two ways to lock students. Here is the link with a JavaScript and a CSS file that you can use to keep students from putting in photos. One thing to keep in mind though, I am 90% sure this only works on Canvas Desktop, students can still change on mobile devices.

https://community.canvaslms.com/thread/25996-how-can-i-hide-with-css-the-ability-for-users-to-click-...

I am looking at another way to do it as well, but I have just started. It uses the API to disable avatar editing. I will look into it and get back to you. We just got one avatar to update so we are just dipping our toes into the water as well. I will let you know what I find out.

Bill

[malgozzi]

@rudeb were you able to use the API to disable avatar editing and/or use CSS or JS in the mobile theme to prevent students from changing their profile picture in the app?