Firefox users are getting a privacy upgrade that many didn’t even know they needed. The browser’s latest beta version now tells you when someone tries to record or take screenshots of your private browsing sessions on Android.
The new feature, currently available in Firefox Beta v136, watches out for any attempts to capture what’s happening in your private browsing windows. Think of it as a privacy guard that taps you on the shoulder whenever someone tries to record your screen.
The feature, developed under Mozilla’s internal tracking ticket Bug 1927739, introduces a new module that taps into Android 15’s built-in screen recording and capture detection capabilities.
It utilizes two new Android permissions: DETECT_SCREEN_RECORDING and DETECT_SCREEN_CAPTURE, which are exclusive to Android 15+. When enabled, Firefox will monitor for:
- Screen recordings: Alerts users if another app begins recording their private browsing window.
- Screenshots: Notifies users if a screenshot is taken while in a private tab.
The tool is automatically activated in private browsing mode for devices running Android 15 (codenamed “Upside Down Cake”) or later. Users will receive warnings via in-browser notifications, though Mozilla has not yet specified the exact format of these alerts.
The feature has already caught the attention of Firefox beta users, who spotted a new permission request for “detect screen captures” in the Play Store listing.
While the feature enhances privacy, its effectiveness is currently limited to the latest Android versions. Devices running Android 14 or older will not benefit from the detection capabilities due to API constraints. So older Android users will have to wait until Android 15 arrives for their devices or until they upgrade to a newer model.
Since the feature is already rolling out in the beta channel, regular Firefox users won’t have to wait long either. It should hit the stable channel in the coming weeks. So keep an eye put for an update for Firefox on the Play Store.
Dwayne Cubbins
632 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
abuislam17-02-2025
This is an awesome feature! It's great to see Firefox prioritizing privacy like this. It reminds me of how important it is to protect our personal space, whether online or offline.
Follow Us
