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How to Redact Sensitive Data During Screen Sharing

4/20/2026

In the age of remote work, screen sharing has become our primary way of collaborating. However, it comes with a major security risk: accidental data exposure. Whether you are a developer sharing your terminal or a sales rep presenting a CRM, sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is often just one click away from being leaked.

The Problem with Traditional Screen Sharing

Most screen sharing platforms (like Zoom or Google Meet) share the entire window or screen. If a notification pops up or you switch to the wrong tab, your private data is instantly visible to everyone on the call.

Best Practices for Privacy

  1. Share Windows, Not Screens: Always choose to share a specific application window rather than your entire desktop.
  2. Turn Off Notifications: Disable system-level notifications before starting a meeting.
  3. Use a Dedicated Privacy Extension: Tools like ScreenMask can automatically detect and blur sensitive data in real-time, even if you forget to hide it.

Why Real-Time Masking is Essential

Manual redaction works for static screenshots, but for live sessions, you need an automated solution. ScreenMask uses local pattern matching to identify and blur emails, phone numbers, and financial data as they appear on your screen.

By using local processing, you ensure that your data stays on your device and is never sent to a cloud server for redaction.

Get Started Today

Don't wait for a data breach to happen. Add ScreenMask to Chrome and protect your privacy in every meeting.