Taking screenshots on smartphones is not an easy task. Depending on the case and the application involved, it may be subject to copyright or may be complicit in online harassment or copyright infringement. Following in Apple’s footsteps, Google is now paving the way for app developers to restrict or prevent users from taking screenshots.
According to 9to5Google, an upcoming update to Android 14 may limit users’ ability to take screenshots. In fact, the operating system will reportedly allow apps to detect when a user takes a screenshot.
To accomplish this, Google provides application programming interfaces (APIs). Apps may be able to use this information to limit or block screenshots. Eventually, it may also be possible to narrow this constraint to specific areas of the screen to protect sensitive information.
For users, this is reflected on the screen by a warning message or by the inability to take screenshots. Note that some applications already have blocking options that users can activate. This also applies to Signal and Google, for example. chromium browser.
On the other hand, Apple has already been taking measures in this regard for a long time. Since 2016 and the release of iOS 10, certain apps have been able to prevent screenshots of all or part of the screen. This applies not only to streaming apps like Netflix, but also to messaging apps like Snapchat, Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp.
Taking screenshots of certain applications can actually be problematic for a variety of reasons, especially from a privacy protection perspective. This obviously applies to social networks and messaging services.
Screenshots are of private conversations and photos and may be used as a means to blackmail or harass someone. Other screenshots may involve copyrighted content. This applies equally to photos, videos, and music.
In these cases, there is a risk that the screenshot will be shared without the permission of the owner or copyright holder. Finally, some screenshots may also contain sensitive personal information such as passwords and bank account information. These are especially useful if you want to hack your account.
In any case, unfortunately, such restrictions are not foolproof. There are ways to get around the restriction by using third-party applications or simply taking a picture of the screen on another device. ā AFP Relax News