Android 14 has a native screenshot detection system and apps are finally using it

Android 14 has a native screenshot detection system and apps are finally using it،

Ephemeral messaging apps like Snapchat have long relied on screenshot detection to prevent users from permanently recording conversations and media. While these applications have developed their own methods for detecting screenshots, Android 14 now offers a native API for this purpose.

As reported AndroidFontGerman shopping app OTTO became an early adopter Android 14The screenshot detection API. When a user takes a screenshot in the OTTO app, a toast message is displayed to inform them that their action has been detected. Developers can then implement various actions based on this notification.

New Android 14 screenshot detection toast notification | Source – Android Developers

It is important to note that the application is only informed about the screenshot action and not the actual content of the screen. It’s up to the app developer to determine what was on the screen when the screenshot was taken.

App developers can then take various actions, such as notifying the other party in a messaging app that a screenshot has been captured. Description of Google of the screenshot detection API is as follows:

To create a more standardized screenshot detection experience, Android 14 introduces a privacy-preserving screenshot detection API. This API allows apps to record reminders by activity. These callbacks are invoked and the user is notified when they take a screenshot while this activity is visible.

However, this API is not a perfect solution for all ways of taking a screenshot, as the API can only detect screenshots taken using the hardware button combination. Those who want to take a stealth screenshot without the API detecting it, can still do so using the “Recents” task switcher screen by swiping up and holding, using ADB or using a root screenshot app.

However, apps can still use older APIs for tighter control, allowing them to block screenshot functionality altogether. These legacy APIs can be seen at work in some banking and video streaming applications to protect sensitive data or copyrighted content.

The official Android API for screenshot detection simplifies the process for app developers, eliminating the need for custom workarounds like those used by Snapchat. However, users should continue to exercise caution when taking screenshots of conversations and other sensitive content, as the other party may be notified – or simply use common sense when taking screenshots. This is about taking screenshots of private content.