Disable Image/Screen Capture

  • Thread starter Thread starter AP
  • Start date Start date
A

AP

Is it possible to programmatically disable users from capturing an
image of a form (e.g. using PrintScreen or Screen Capture software).

I know one can regularly clear the clipboard but this does not protect
against Screen Capture software that uses GetDesktopWindow() or GetDC
().

Any ideas ?
 
AP said:
Is it possible to programmatically disable users from capturing an
image of a form (e.g. using PrintScreen or Screen Capture software).

I know one can regularly clear the clipboard but this does not protect
against Screen Capture software that uses GetDesktopWindow() or GetDC
().

Any ideas ?
Click to expand...

How about not displaying the form in the first place? Unless you can ensure
the user is using a protected HDMI route to their monitor, there's not much
you can do about it, and even then they can use a pencil and paper to copy
the information.

Andrew
 
Is it possible to programmatically disable users from capturing an
image of a form (e.g. using PrintScreen or Screen Capture software).

I know one can regularly clear the clipboard but this does not protect
against Screen Capture software that uses GetDesktopWindow() or GetDC
().

Any ideas ?
Click to expand...

Clearing the clipboard in a timer, would be a horrible thing to do to a
user. They would probably suspect a virus if they were also using
something like email while your app was running, and they had a
legitimate copy/paste operation to perform.
 
Andrew --

Am 27.01.2010 15:12, schrieb Andrew Morton:
How about not displaying the form in the first place? Unless you can ensure
the user is using a protected HDMI route to their monitor, there's not much
you can do about it, and even then they can use a pencil and paper to copy
the information.
Click to expand...

.... or take a photograph using a digital camera.
 
I couldn't be bothered to write down even more ways to do it :)

Andrew
Click to expand...

As with most things, there are always ways of circumventing the
author's intention. The idea is to discourage such activity e.g. by
making it difficult, disadvantageous, or costly.
 
How about not displaying the form in the first place? Unless you can ensure
the user is using a protected HDMI route to their monitor, there's not much
you can do about it, and even then they can use a pencil and paper to copy
the information.

Andrew
Click to expand...

The user needs to see graphics and comments in the form (or whatever
other means of displaying these) but not be able to duplicate the
graphics/comments for distribution. It's much like copyright on books
if you like. Pencil and paper would work but is a lot of hard work.
There's a lot of effort by book producers, e-book producers, stock
photography, etc. to discourage/disable illegal copying and
distribution. I guess I'm trying to see what can be done in the VB
forms arena.
 
AP said:
As with most things, there are always ways of circumventing the
author's intention. The idea is to discourage such activity e.g. by
making it difficult, disadvantageous, or costly.
Click to expand...

And the short answer seems to be "no".

BTW -- almost no copying of static content (such as books and pictures)
is done via screen capture, it's almost exclusively done via scanning
of hardcopies (quicker, easier, and better resolution).

I don't know what you're worried about being copied, but odds are that
you should be worrying about something else instead.
 
AP said:
The user needs to see graphics and comments in the form (or whatever
other means of displaying these) but not be able to duplicate the
graphics/comments for distribution. It's much like copyright on books
if you like. Pencil and paper would work but is a lot of hard work.
There's a lot of effort by book producers, e-book producers, stock
photography, etc. to discourage/disable illegal copying and
distribution. I guess I'm trying to see what can be done in the VB
forms arena.
Click to expand...

I suppose you could put a copyright notice on the form, or if it's bespoke
software then you could offer a licence which allows copying and
distribution for a higher fee, and then even put in a facility to save the
data in some easy-to-use format.

Andrew
 
The Egyptians did not do it, but already long while is in use to put on an
image

© xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
And the short answer seems to be "no".
Click to expand...

There are ways to deter electronic copying - see above. It's not fool-
proof of course. That's why I'm asking if anyone knows of a better
way. A "no" answer is less than what I already know.
BTW -- almost no copying of static content (such as books and pictures)
is done via screen capture, it's almost exclusively done via scanning
of hardcopies (quicker, easier, and better resolution).
Click to expand...

I suppose technically it is possible to scan a computer screen. Might
be a bit difficult for most people.
I don't know what you're worried about being copied, but odds are that
you should be worrying about something else instead.
Click to expand...

I understand my business needs and I see illegal copying, especially
by parties in places like China and the like, as a threat.
 
AP said:
There are ways to deter electronic copying - see above. It's not fool-
proof of course. That's why I'm asking if anyone knows of a better
way. A "no" answer is less than what I already know.
Click to expand...


Apparently not, or you wouldn't be asking the question. There are
hardware cards that go straight to VHS.
I suppose technically it is possible to scan a computer screen. Might
be a bit difficult for most people.
Click to expand...

Not really, and even if it was almost impossible, you are simply hoping
that nobody with the knowledge is willing to do so.

Besides, you missed my point -- most products that aren't software are
destined for paper, if your products fall into that category, don't
worry about people hacking your electronic copy as they will instead
scan the hardcopy.

I understand my business needs and I see illegal copying, especially
by parties in places like China and the like, as a threat.
Click to expand...

Because they buy so much of it when they can't get a pirated copy?
 
Not really, and even if it was almost impossible, you are simply hoping
that nobody with the knowledge is willing to do so.
Click to expand...

Just say anything to just to have the last word ...
Besides, you missed my point -- most products that aren't software are
destined for paper, if your products fall into that category, don't
worry about people hacking your electronic copy as they will instead
scan the hardcopy.
Click to expand...

You clearly haven't read my original post. Where did I say I had a
hardcopy ?
Because they buy so much of it when they can't get a pirated copy?
Click to expand...

Clearly this area of the commercial world illudes you. Enough said.
 
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