Screenshot blocking: Difference between revisions

Line 1:

'''Screenshot blocking''' prevents the owner of a computing device from capturing screenshots and screen recordings. Some operating systems such as Android OS and iOS let app makers block device owners from capturing screenshots and screen recordings, meaning device owners are at the mercy of app makers to allow screenshots. This ownership violation is usually excused with "protecting your privacy". Here are reasons why that is not the case, and how this feature is severely misused.

==~~It violates your ownership.~~==

== How it works ==

~~As the owner of your smartphone, you shouldn't be at the mercy of app developers to graciously let you~~ to ~~take~~ screenshots ~~or screen recordings. Your smartphone is your property. You should have~~ the ~~final authority on what happens on your smartphone. Don't accept screenshot blocking like it's a normal thing. It wasn't on desktop (Windows, Linux), so it shouldn't be on mobile.~~

Companies tend to block screenshots for the following reasons:

~~On desktop operating systems~~, ~~it has long been taken for granted that you can screenshot whatever appears on your screen~~. ~~No program can~~ prevent ~~you from doing so~~. ~~Why shouldn~~'~~t it be~~ the ~~same on mobile?~~

* '''Protecting sensitive information'''

** Apps that handle financial data (banks, payment apps) or confidential documents may block screenshots to reduce the risk of accidental data leaks.

** Screenshots could be captured and shared without consent, which could expose personal information like account numbers, passwords, or private messages.

* '''Content protection and licensing'''

** Media apps (streaming services, e-books, and some news apps) sometimes block screenshots or recordings to prevent piracy or unauthorized redistribution of copyrighted content.

* '''Privacy of other users'''

** Messaging apps may prevent screenshots in certain contexts (like “disappearing messages”) to protect the privacy of the other party.

No app should have the authority to prevent you from doing what you want with your smartphone. You should have control over what happens on your phone. No app should be able to prevent you from using certain features of your device. You paid for it, so it is your property.

* '''Regulatory or contractual requirements'''

** In some industries, companies must comply with legal rules around data protection or digital content licensing, which may include preventing local copies from being made.

~~==It~~'~~s a local file.==~~

~~When you take a screenshot~~, ~~the screenshot is stored locally inside the encrypted internal storage of your smartphone~~, ~~protected with your lockscreen credentials. It is not going to be sent to anyone unless you manually chose to do it. As a~~ local ~~file, it remains fully under your control~~.

~~Anyone determined enough can still photograph the screen from an external device. The only difference is that~~ it is in a ~~lower quality, but for alphanumerical stuff like banking details and text-based messages, that doesn't matter.~~

== Why it is a problem ==

==~~Apps overuse it.~~==

=== Impedes ownership ===

~~Apps~~ use ~~screenshot blocking where it isn't necessary~~.

On desktop operating systems like Windows and Linux, users have always been able to take screenshots or recordings of whatever is on their screen, without programs being able to block it. By contrast, many mobile apps restrict or disable this feature. This raises concerns because it limits a device owner’s ability to fully use their own phone. Since a smartphone is personal property, users should retain control over its features, including the ability to capture their own screen, rather than having that choice dictated by app developers.

~~Since~~ 2018, Chrome ~~blocks~~ screenshots in incognito mode. ~~What exactly~~ is this ~~supposed~~ to protect against?

=== Overuse ===

Some apps implement screenshot blocking in situations where it is unnecessary. For example, since 2018, Chrome has blocked screenshots while in incognito mode. It is unclear what this restriction is meant to protect against, given that incognito browsing already functions by not saving history or cookies.

There are also many legitimate reasons to take a screenshot in incognito mode. Developers may need to capture how a website looks to first-time visitors, or users might want to save information temporarily without adding it to their browsing history. In these cases, blocking screenshots serves no meaningful security purpose and only prevents the device owner from using their phone’s features as intended.

There are legitimate reasons to capture screenshots in incognito mode, such in web development, for capturing how a web page appears to first-time mobile visitors. There is no reason not to let the device owner take a screenshot or screen recording if they want to.

== Incidents ==

~~Since earlier~~ this year, the German cellular ~~network~~ provider ALDI TALK ~~also~~ blocked screenshots ~~in their~~ entire app. The app ~~shows statistics~~ such as how ~~many gigabytes of~~ high-speed ~~cellular~~ data ~~the~~ subscriber has ~~left~~. ~~Why not let the user have~~ screenshots of the ~~bar that shows what percentage of cellular data they have left? And why block screenshots in~~ the ~~'''~~entire~~'''~~ app ~~just~~ because ~~"private stuff" may~~ appear ~~somewhere (for example when booking a new plan)? It is clearly being overused~~.

=== ALDI TALK ===

Earlier this year, the German cellular provider ALDI TALK blocked screenshots throughout its entire app. The app displays information such as how much high-speed data a subscriber has remaining. Blocking screenshots of such basic information seems unnecessary, and applying the restriction across the entire app because some “private” content might appear in certain sections appears excessive.

=== Whatsapp ===

The developers of [[WhatsApp]] have threatened with blocking screenshots inside chats with "advanced chat privacy" enabled:

The company has stated that this is the first iteration of the feature, with plans to introduce even more robust protections in future updates, potentially including measures to block screenshots.

The company has stated that this is the first iteration of the feature, with plans to introduce even more robust protections in future updates, potentially including measures to block screenshots<ref>[http://archive.today/2025.07.07-200053/https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations]</ref>.

~~</blockquote>~~

</blockquote>[[WhatsApp]] blocked screenshots of profile pictures in 2024, excusing it with "protecting privacy".<ref>[http://archive.today/2024.12.22-151106/https://faq.whatsapp.com/1799783917198636 About profile photo screenshot blocking | WhatsApp Help Center]</ref> The reason this is dubious is that '''everyone knows putting private stuff in a visible spot on the Internet is a bad idea to begin with.''' This includes profile pictures.

<ref>[http://archive.today/2025.07.07-200053/https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations]</ref>

==~~Private stuff does not belong in~~ a ~~profile picture~~.==

==It's a local file.==

~~[[WhatsApp]] blocked screenshots~~ of ~~profile pictures in 2024~~, ~~excusing it~~ with ~~"protecting privacy"~~.~~<ref>[http://archive.today/2024.12.22-151106/https://faq.whatsapp.com/1799783917198636 About profile photo screenshot blocking | WhatsApp Help Center]</ref> The reason this~~ is ~~dubious is that '''everyone knows putting private stuff in a visible spot on the Internet is a bad idea~~ to ~~begin with~~.~~''' This includes profile pictures~~.

When you take a screenshot, the screenshot is stored locally inside the encrypted internal storage of your smartphone, protected with your lockscreen credentials. It is not going to be sent to anyone unless you manually chose to do it. As a local file, it remains fully under your control.

~~If you don't want people to preserve something, you do not make it public~~. ~~Simple as that. This~~ is ~~a long-standing convention~~ that ~~every Internet user should be aware of.~~

Anyone determined enough can still photograph the screen from an external device. The only difference is that it is in a lower quality, but for alphanumerical stuff like banking details and text-based messages, that doesn't matter.

~~==It can be capitalized on.==~~

It is ~~only~~ a ~~matter of time until app makers will paywall screenshots. They disable a feature of your device~~ and ~~graciously let you use it if you pay up. For example~~, ~~they might create a "WhatsApp Premium" subscription~~ that ~~graciously lets you screenshot chats marked with "advanced chat privacy". This will take a dystopian direction~~.

==External displays==

Line 59:

Line 62:

==Screenshot events==

Android 14 has added a "screenshot event" and Android 15 a "screen recording event". This makes it easy for apps to notice if the owner takes a screenshot or screen recording, and alter their behaviour accordingly. This takes even more control away from the device owner.

~~==Conclusion==~~

App makers have no business preventing phone owners from taking screenshots and screen recordings on their property. Screenshot blocking gives the user the same kind of security that disconnecting the internet gives. Sure, you may be "more secure", but you lose access to a useful resource. By locking us down, Google and app makers show they think we are babies who can not take care of ourselves.

~~The violation of your ownership outweighs any trivial privacy benefit you may get from it. Even if there was a privacy benefit, you as the device owner should have the final authority.~~

==References==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{ToneWarning}}
+{{ToneWarning}}{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Makes specific claims without citations}}{{SloppyAI}}
 '''Screenshot blocking''' prevents the owner of a computing device from capturing screenshots and screen recordings. Some operating systems such as Android OS and iOS let app makers block device owners from capturing screenshots and screen recordings, meaning device owners are at the mercy of app makers to allow screenshots. This ownership violation is usually excused with "protecting your privacy". Here are reasons why that is not the case, and how this feature is severely misused.
-==It violates your ownership.==
+== How it works ==
-As the owner of your smartphone, you shouldn't be at the mercy of app developers to graciously let you to take screenshots or screen recordings. Your smartphone is your property. You should have the final authority on what happens on your smartphone. Don't accept screenshot blocking like it's a normal thing. It wasn't on desktop (Windows, Linux), so it shouldn't be on mobile.
+Companies tend to block screenshots for the following reasons:
-On desktop operating systems, it has long been taken for granted that you can screenshot whatever appears on your screen. No program can prevent you from doing so. Why shouldn't it be the same on mobile?
+* '''Protecting sensitive information'''
+** Apps that handle financial data (banks, payment apps) or confidential documents may block screenshots to reduce the risk of accidental data leaks.
+** Screenshots could be captured and shared without consent, which could expose personal information like account numbers, passwords, or private messages.
+* '''Content protection and licensing'''
+** Media apps (streaming services, e-books, and some news apps) sometimes block screenshots or recordings to prevent piracy or unauthorized redistribution of copyrighted content.
+* '''Privacy of other users'''
+** Messaging apps may prevent screenshots in certain contexts (like “disappearing messages”) to protect the privacy of the other party.
-No app should have the authority to prevent you from doing what you want with your smartphone. You should have control over what happens on your phone. No app should be able to prevent you from using certain features of your device. You paid for it, so it is your property.
+* '''Regulatory or contractual requirements'''
+** In some industries, companies must comply with legal rules around data protection or digital content licensing, which may include preventing local copies from being made.
-==It's a local file.==
-When you take a screenshot, the screenshot is stored locally inside the encrypted internal storage of your smartphone, protected with your lockscreen credentials. It is not going to be sent to anyone unless you manually chose to do it. As a local file, it remains fully under your control.
-Anyone determined enough can still photograph the screen from an external device. The only difference is that it is in a lower quality, but for alphanumerical stuff like banking details and text-based messages, that doesn't matter.
+== Why it is a problem ==
-==Apps overuse it.==
+=== Impedes ownership ===
-Apps use screenshot blocking where it isn't necessary.
+On desktop operating systems like Windows and Linux, users have always been able to take screenshots or recordings of whatever is on their screen, without programs being able to block it. By contrast, many mobile apps restrict or disable this feature. This raises concerns because it limits a device owner’s ability to fully use their own phone. Since a smartphone is personal property, users should retain control over its features, including the ability to capture their own screen, rather than having that choice dictated by app developers.
-Since 2018, Chrome blocks screenshots in incognito mode. What exactly is this supposed to protect against?
+=== Overuse ===
+Some apps implement screenshot blocking in situations where it is unnecessary. For example, since 2018, Chrome has blocked screenshots while in incognito mode. It is unclear what this restriction is meant to protect against, given that incognito browsing already functions by not saving history or cookies.
+There are also many legitimate reasons to take a screenshot in incognito mode. Developers may need to capture how a website looks to first-time visitors, or users might want to save information temporarily without adding it to their browsing history. In these cases, blocking screenshots serves no meaningful security purpose and only prevents the device owner from using their phone’s features as intended.
-There are legitimate reasons to capture screenshots in incognito mode, such in web development, for capturing how a web page appears to first-time mobile visitors. There is no reason not to let the device owner take a screenshot or screen recording if they want to.
+== Incidents ==
-Since earlier this year, the German cellular network provider ALDI TALK also blocked screenshots in their entire app. The app shows statistics such as how many gigabytes of high-speed cellular data the subscriber has left. Why not let the user have screenshots of the bar that shows what percentage of cellular data they have left? And why block screenshots in the '''entire''' app just because "private stuff" may appear somewhere (for example when booking a new plan)? It is clearly being overused.
+=== ALDI TALK ===
+Earlier this year, the German cellular provider ALDI TALK blocked screenshots throughout its entire app. The app displays information such as how much high-speed data a subscriber has remaining. Blocking screenshots of such basic information seems unnecessary, and applying the restriction across the entire app because some “private” content might appear in certain sections appears excessive.
+=== Whatsapp ===
 The developers of [[WhatsApp]] have threatened with blocking screenshots inside chats with "advanced chat privacy" enabled:
 <blockquote>
-The company has stated that this is the first iteration of the feature, with plans to introduce even more robust protections in future updates, potentially including measures to block screenshots.
+The company has stated that this is the first iteration of the feature, with plans to introduce even more robust protections in future updates, potentially including measures to block screenshots<ref>[http://archive.today/2025.07.07-200053/https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations]</ref>.
-</blockquote>
+</blockquote>[[WhatsApp]] blocked screenshots of profile pictures in 2024, excusing it with "protecting privacy".<ref>[http://archive.today/2024.12.22-151106/https://faq.whatsapp.com/1799783917198636 About profile photo screenshot blocking | WhatsApp Help Center]</ref> The reason this is dubious is that '''everyone knows putting private stuff in a visible spot on the Internet is a bad idea to begin with.''' This includes profile pictures.
-<ref>[http://archive.today/2025.07.07-200053/https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations]</ref>
-==Private stuff does not belong in a profile picture.==
+==It's a local file.==
-[[WhatsApp]] blocked screenshots of profile pictures in 2024, excusing it with "protecting privacy".<ref>[http://archive.today/2024.12.22-151106/https://faq.whatsapp.com/1799783917198636 About profile photo screenshot blocking | WhatsApp Help Center]</ref> The reason this is dubious is that '''everyone knows putting private stuff in a visible spot on the Internet is a bad idea to begin with.''' This includes profile pictures.
+When you take a screenshot, the screenshot is stored locally inside the encrypted internal storage of your smartphone, protected with your lockscreen credentials. It is not going to be sent to anyone unless you manually chose to do it. As a local file, it remains fully under your control.
-If you don't want people to preserve something, you do not make it public. Simple as that. This is a long-standing convention that every Internet user should be aware of.
+Anyone determined enough can still photograph the screen from an external device. The only difference is that it is in a lower quality, but for alphanumerical stuff like banking details and text-based messages, that doesn't matter.
-==It can be capitalized on.==
-It is only a matter of time until app makers will paywall screenshots. They disable a feature of your device and graciously let you use it if you pay up. For example, they might create a "WhatsApp Premium" subscription that graciously lets you screenshot chats marked with "advanced chat privacy". This will take a dystopian direction.
 ==External displays==
@@ Line 59: / Line 62: @@
 ==Screenshot events==
 Android 14 has added a "screenshot event" and Android 15 a "screen recording event". This makes it easy for apps to notice if the owner takes a screenshot or screen recording, and alter their behaviour accordingly. This takes even more control away from the device owner.
-==Conclusion==
-App makers have no business preventing phone owners from taking screenshots and screen recordings on their property. Screenshot blocking gives the user the same kind of security that disconnecting the internet gives. Sure, you may be "more secure", but you lose access to a useful resource. By locking us down, Google and app makers show they think we are babies who can not take care of ourselves.
-The violation of your ownership outweighs any trivial privacy benefit you may get from it. Even if there was a privacy benefit, you as the device owner should have the final authority.
 ==References==
 <references />