Why Hide Web Content?

September 19th, 2005

Recently, I checked into a software package devoted to the encryption and obfuscation of page content. Not only does it prevent copying and pasting and printing; it uses Javascript to encrypt and decypher the page content (HTML or JavaScript). WebLock Pro does seem to effectively prevent digital theft. Of course, a determined person probably can find a way around this encryption to steal your content, copy the text longhand, or perhaps do a Print Screen to capture the layout.

Recommendation: While I think it is effective, the WebLock Pro home page has a bug that does not display any information on Firefox until a blocked pop-up is cleared and the page is reloaded (At least on Windows XP Pro with IE and Firefox). Does anyone really need to encrypt all their content to prevent others from viewing it? The web abounds with plagiarism detection tools and email is capable of contacting those who flaunt common ethical boundaries. How many alternative browsers (small screen, audio browsers) does this technique lock out?

Tools for finding copied content:

Code Obfuscators:

Entry Filed under: Book & Software Reviews, Ethical Issues