Disable Image/Screen Capture

[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 ?

 

[Andrew Morton]

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 ?

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

 

[Family Tree Mike]

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 ?

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.

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

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.

.... or take a photograph using a digital camera.

 

[Andrew Morton]

... or take a photograph using a digital camera.

I couldn't be bothered to write down even more ways to do it

Andrew

 

[AP]

I couldn't be bothered to write down even more ways to do it

Andrew

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.

 

[AP]

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

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.

 

[J.B. Moreno]

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.

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.

 

[Andrew Morton]

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.

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

 

[Cor Ligthert[MVP]]

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

© xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[AP]

And the short answer seems to be "no".

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).

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.

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

 

[J.B. Moreno]

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.

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.

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.

Because they buy so much of it when they can't get a pirated copy?

 

[AP]

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

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.

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?

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