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ShoulderSurf
Browser extension that blurs the screen when a second face appears in the webcam feed
$2.99/moStarting price
About ShoulderSurf
ShoulderSurf is a browser extension that uses the device’s front-facing camera to detect when a second person is looking at the screen. It runs entirely on the user’s device, analyzing camera frames in memory and discarding them immediately without upload or storage. The extension works across Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari on laptops and phones with a front camera. When a second face turns toward the screen, the screen blurs within half a second and remains blurred until the onlooker looks away. The tool includes a walk-away lock feature that blurs the screen when the user leaves the desk and restores it upon return. Sensitivity, reaction speed, and hold time can be adjusted in settings. A quiet chime can be enabled to signal when the screen blurs or unblurs. The extension can be toggled from the browser toolbar and protects every tab once installed. The web version of ShoulderSurf is available for free and protects only its own page, while the Chrome extension covers all browser tabs.
Key features
- On-device face detection using webcam feed
- Real-time screen blurring when a second face appears
- Walk-away lock to blur screen when user leaves desk
- Adjustable sensitivity and reaction speed settings
- Optional audio chime for blur and unblur events
- Toggleable protection via browser toolbar
- Settings synced across Chrome profiles
- Free web version for basic protection
Use cases
- Protecting sensitive information in public spaces like cafés or trains
- Securing screens during presentations or meetings
- Preventing shoulder surfing in shared living spaces or open-plan offices
Pros
- Runs entirely on-device with no account or uploads required
- Works across multiple browsers and devices with a front camera
- Adjustable sensitivity and reaction settings for different environments
- Walk-away lock feature for added privacy when leaving the desk
- Optional audio cues for screen blur and unblur events
Cons
- Requires a front-facing camera on the device
- Web version only protects its own page, not all browser tabs
- Free trial lasts 30 days before requiring a paid subscription
Frequently asked questions about ShoulderSurf
What does ShoulderSurf do?
ShoulderSurf is a browser extension that uses the device’s front-facing camera to detect when a second person is looking at the screen. It blurs the screen within half a second when an onlooker is detected and restores visibility when they look away.
Who is ShoulderSurf designed for?
The tool is designed for anyone working in shared or public spaces, such as cafés, trains, open-plan offices, or shared flats, where screen privacy is a concern. It is also useful for presentations or hot-desking environments.
Does ShoulderSurf require an account?
No account is required to use ShoulderSurf. A license key is provided after payment, which is pasted into the extension to activate the subscription. The key also serves as a login method.
How does ShoulderSurf handle camera data?
ShoulderSurf runs entirely on the user’s device. Camera frames are analyzed in memory and discarded immediately without upload or storage. No images or video are sent to any server.
Can ShoulderSurf protect all browser tabs?
The Chrome extension version of ShoulderSurf protects every tab in the browser once installed. The web version only protects its own page and remains free.
How do I cancel my ShoulderSurf subscription?
Subscriptions can be canceled at any time from the account page using the license key. Protection continues until the end of the paid period.
