How to protect images from scraping

Discussion in 'HTML & Website Design' started by steelhead, May 26, 2010.

  1. #1
    I have a client that wants to post his images inside an html file but wants to protect them from being scraped...although he is not concerned about screen capture.

    Is there a flag or switch that can be set for an image disallowing a download..such a right click, save image as, or copy image?

    -Steve
     
    steelhead, May 26, 2010 IP
  2. BiScuiTje

    BiScuiTje Peon

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    #2
    you can disable the right click function with this simple script

    dynamicdrive.com/dynamicindex9/noright.htm
     
    BiScuiTje, May 26, 2010 IP
  3. rainborick

    rainborick Well-Known Member

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    #3
    This is always a difficult issue to explain to clients. But you need to tell him that there is no way to prevent a determined thief from copying the images from a website. Disabling a right-click is easily defeated by simply disabling JavaScript in your browser. And doing so can be a major annoyance to people who navigate using the Context Menu. Further, most browsers include simple ways to copy an entire webpage with a single menu command which cannot be disabled.

    I would suggest that your client watermark his images and install server-level hotlink protection, but avoid making his site much less attractive and functional just for the sake of preventing casual image copiers. Good luck!
     
    rainborick, May 26, 2010 IP
  4. MmmDesign

    MmmDesign Peon

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    #4
    While BiScuiTje posted a useful script, if someone really wants the image they could always view the source code and grab it that way.
    Another option would be to place all images in a Flash slideshow. Similar to what this site does.
     
    MmmDesign, May 26, 2010 IP
  5. jezzz

    jezzz Notable Member

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    #5
    Right Click Disable JS is considered as too old and its easily can be de-atachable by viewing the source codes through latest internet browsers

    Image Watermarking is innovative way to keep things copyrighted
     
    jezzz, May 26, 2010 IP
  6. googles

    googles Guest

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    #6
    you do that through cpanel(if you are using it)..there is option for hotlink protection
     
    googles, May 27, 2010 IP
  7. steelhead

    steelhead Peon

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    #7
    Wow, that's great information. I truly appreciate the input. I may try the cpanel method. The site does have javascript in a couple of places that is important to functionality. So, I don't think I want recommend disabling that, assuming the JS disable is a site wide command.
    -Steve
     
    steelhead, May 27, 2010 IP
  8. aprillove83

    aprillove83 Peon

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    #8
    Well, Image Watermarking is innovative and also good.
     
    aprillove83, May 27, 2010 IP