Screenshot blocking: Difference between revisions

Line 26:

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.

=== Paywalling of screenshots ===

Screenshot blocking can be potentially capitalized on by app makers. This means they block the user from taking screenshots and graciously allow it if the user pays a fee.

== Incidents ==

=== ALDI TALK ===

Earlier in 2025, 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.

Earlier in 2025, 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 is excessive.

=== Whatsapp ===

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 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.
+=== Paywalling of screenshots ===
+Screenshot blocking can be potentially capitalized on by app makers. This means they block the user from taking screenshots and graciously allow it if the user pays a fee.
 == Incidents ==
 === ALDI TALK ===
-Earlier in 2025, 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.
+Earlier in 2025, 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 is excessive.
 === Whatsapp ===