Fighting Peeping Toms: Apple working on privacy display for iPhones, Macs to stop shoulder surfers

In an era where our smartphones and laptops hold a treasure trove of personal information, the threat of “shoulder surfers” peering at our screens in public spaces has become a significant concern. Apple seems poised to address this issue with two new patents that could revolutionize screen privacy, making it nearly impossible for prying eyes to steal sensitive information. The first patent, titled “Privacy films for curved displays,” proposes the use of a special covering on the screen that allows light to emanate in only one direction. This design ensures that only the person directly in front of the screen can view its contents clearly. This innovation could be particularly valuable for users with curved displays on their devices. The second patent, named “Displays with adjustable angles of view,” takes a different approach to flat screens. It suggests altering the viewing angle of the display in real time, acting as a filter controlled by the user. This feature would empower individuals to decide how polarized their screen is, making it challenging for shoulder surfers to gather any meaningful information. The patent also introduces the concept of a liquid crystal element that selectively displays certain colours only when viewed head-on, adding an extra layer of security to screen privacy. Shoulder surfing, where individuals discreetly observe someone else’s screen to obtain sensitive information, is a widespread issue, particularly in crowded places like airports, bars, restaurants, and public transportation. A 2016 NYU study revealed that 73 per cent of respondents had witnessed someone’s confidential PIN without the person being aware. With millions of fraud cases reported annually, many linked to identity theft, Apple’s potential anti-shoulder surfing technology could offer a clever and much-needed solution. By enhancing screen privacy at the source, these innovations may redefine the way we safeguard our personal information in our daily digital interactions.