Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for privacy features within a chat environment

Abstract

A computing device for protecting privacy within an instant messaging platform includes one or more processors and one or more computer readable media having stored thereon executable instructions. The executable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing device to receive an attempt by a user to access content shared within the instant messaging platform, determine whether privacy protection is set within the instant messaging platform, and disallow access to the content if it is determined that privacy protection is set, and display a notification to the user of the protection of the content. The executable instructions further cause the computing device to allow the user to access the content if it is determined that privacy protection is not set.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 821,112, filed August 30, 2024, entitled “SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR PRIVACY FEATURES WITHIN A CHAT ENVIRONMENT,” which claims the benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 535,987, filed August 31, 2023, entitled “PRIVACY FEATURES WITHIN A CHAT ENVIRONMENT,” the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for privacy purposes, and in particular for protecting privacy in chat environments. Background Technology

[0004] Computers and computing systems have impacted virtually every aspect of modern life. Computers are commonly involved in work, entertainment, healthcare, transportation, home management, and more. In recent decades, computers have provided significant advancements and paradigm shifts in communication. Individuals can now communicate instantly with another person or group using text, audio, or video communication, compared to sending physical letters or even faxes.

[0005] Digital communication has reshaped interpersonal and professional relationships. Where workers might have previously collaborated and worked together in the same room, now entire teams collaborate seamlessly remotely through instant messaging platforms. Modern instant messaging platforms allow users to communicate, share documents, store documents, take notes, and perform a variety of other common daily work activities.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that address any shortcomings, nor is it limited to embodiments that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background art is provided merely to illustrate an exemplary technical field in which some of the embodiments described herein can be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for protecting privacy within chat environments. These systems, methods, and computer-readable media specifically provide privacy settings to protect text, documents, multimedia files, and any other content shared within instant messaging platforms. Additionally, these systems can intercept system-level shortcuts to prevent unauthorized screen capture, recording, sharing, forwarding, or copying of content within instant messaging platforms.

[0008] This invention employs novel and innovative technological means to achieve privacy features, thereby protecting the privacy of chat participants and shared materials within one-on-one and group chats. According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computing device for protecting privacy within an instant messaging platform includes one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media storing executable instructions thereon. When executed by the one or more processors, the executable instructions cause the computing device to receive an attempt by a user to access content shared within the instant messaging platform, determine whether privacy protection is enabled within the instant messaging platform, and, if privacy protection is enabled, disallow access to the content; and display a notification of content protection to the user. If privacy protection is not enabled, the computing device further causes the user to access the content.

[0009] According to another aspect, a method for protecting privacy within an instant messaging platform includes: receiving an attempt by a user to access content shared within the instant messaging platform; determining whether privacy protection is set within the instant messaging platform; and, if privacy protection is determined to be set, disallowing access to the content; and displaying a notification of content protection to the user. The method further includes: allowing the user to access the content if it is determined that privacy protection is not set.

[0010] According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable content has executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform a method for protecting privacy within an instant messaging platform. The method receives an attempt by a user to access content shared within the instant messaging platform, determines whether privacy protection is enabled within the instant messaging platform, and, if privacy protection is enabled, disallows access to the content and displays a notification of content protection to the user. The method further includes, if it is determined that privacy protection is not enabled, allowing the user to access the content.

[0011] The present invention is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, the selection of concepts further described below in the detailed description. The present invention is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0012] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following description, and some features and advantages will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practicing the teachings herein. The features and advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. The features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practicing the invention as set forth below. Attached Figure Description

[0013] In order to describe how the above and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be presented by referring to the specific aspects shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical aspects of this disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. These aspects will be described and illustrated using additional features and details through the use of the drawings, in which: Figure 1 An instant messaging system according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated; Figures 2A-2D A graphical illustration of an instant messaging application for privacy protection settings according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown; Figures 3A-3C A graphical illustration of an instant messaging application with privacy protection settings for one-on-one chat, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown. Figures 4A-4C A graphical illustration of an instant messaging application with privacy protection settings for group chat according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown; Figures 5A-5C A graphical illustration is shown of an instant messaging application for privacy protection settings for screen capture or screen recording, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 6A and Figure 6B A graphical illustration of an instant messaging application with privacy protection settings for project chat, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for setting up privacy protection according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown; and Figure 8 A block diagram of a computing device according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for protecting privacy within a chat environment. Various aspects of this disclosure include a range of security and privacy settings for protecting data shared during audio calls, video calls, and / or chats. These settings can be adjusted based on the number of participants or users involved in the chat or call. Additionally, settings can protect specific items or datasets from being extracted or shared.

[0015] As used in this article, "chat" includes audio calls, video calls, one-to-one digital communication, group digital communication, text chat, or any other form of digital communication. This feature allows for a more open sharing of information and ideas. Furthermore, in an increasingly interconnected world where privacy and security settings provide greater protection, trade secrets, copyrighted content, and other intellectual property are highly vulnerable to leaks or theft by malicious actors.

[0016] As used herein, the term "or" may be used in the following ways. For example, "A or B" includes "A" itself, "B" itself, or a combination of "A" and "B". Similarly, "A, B, or C" may include "A" itself, "B" itself, "C" itself, a combination of "A" and "B", a combination of "A" and "C", a combination of "B" and "C", and a combination of "A", "B", and "C". This applies to any number of items connected by "or".

[0017] The following discussion now involves a variety of methods and method actions that can be performed. Although method actions can be discussed in a specific order or described in a flowchart in a specific order of occurrence, a specific order is not required unless specifically stated or required, or if a specific order is required because an action depends on another action that was completed before it was performed.

[0018] Alternatively, the method can be practiced by a computer system comprising one or more processors and a computer-readable medium such as computer memory. In particular, the computer memory may store computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause various functions to be performed, such as the actions described in the various aspects.

[0019] Now refer to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an instant messaging system 100, which includes computing devices 110a-110n for multiple users. The instant messaging system 100 may also include an instant messaging server 120 and a communication network 130, wherein the computing devices 110a-110n can communicate with each other via the instant messaging server 120. Hereinafter, a single computing device may be referred to as computing device 110, and multiple computing devices may be collectively referred to as computing devices 110.

[0020] Instant messaging server 120 can provide server functionality for instant messaging within computing device 110. In this respect, each computing device 110 may need to have an instant messaging application installed on it, and each user of computing device 110 may need to register with instant messaging server 120 via the instant messaging application. Users may need to provide authentication information, such as a login ID and password, and the instant messaging server may store this authentication information in memory. When a user runs the instant messaging application and enters their login ID and password, the instant messaging application relays the login ID and password to instant messaging server 120, and when instant messaging server 120 verifies the user based on the login ID and password, the user is able to use the instant messaging application.

[0021] In various aspects, the instant messaging server 120 can be a cloud server used as Software as a Service (SAAS) or Platform as a Service (“PaaS”).

[0022] Users of computing device 110 can participate in one-on-one chat rooms or group chat rooms based on services provided by instant messaging server 120, or make voice or video calls to each other in one-on-one chat rooms or group chat rooms. In addition, users can initiate projects with other users in project chat rooms.

[0023] When a user of computing device 110 initiates a one-to-one chat room and invites another user, both users can communicate with each other via the chat room through communication network 130. In one or more aspects, communication network 130 may be a wired or wireless network and comply with Bluetooth, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), or any other suitable network protocol.

[0024] In one-on-one or group chat rooms, users can communicate with each other via text messages, emoticons, images, audio messages, or video messages. Even assuming each user shares their own messages without concern for copyright or privacy, other users may be able to copy, share, or forward such messages to others. Furthermore, even if they don't directly copy and share those messages, they can screen capture content displayed on the screen of computing device 110, or screen record moving images playing on the screen or audio played by speakers, allowing users to indirectly share content with other users in the form of screen-captured images and screen-recorded videos. This could potentially lead to privacy or copyright violations. To prevent such potential privacy and copyright violations, instant messaging applications can provide security and privacy settings, which will be further described below.

[0025] Now go to Figure 2AThis diagram illustrates a graphical description of a user application settings screen 200 for an instant messaging application installed on computing device 110. The user application settings screen 200 can enhance user privacy and security for chat functionality. The user application settings screen 200 may include two sets of menu items. The first set can be applied to the instant messaging application, and the second set can be applied to any chat room initiated by a user of computing device 110.

[0026] The first set may include encryption key item 210, desktop item 220, logout item 250, and delete account item 260. Encryption key item 210 is used to manage or view encryption keys associated with user login information, including a login ID and password. For example, encryption key item 210 could be the login ID and password. Alternatively or additionally, encryption key item 210 could be a key used to encrypt the login ID and password or to encrypt chat content to protect it from access by any third party, thereby ensuring and increasing user privacy and security.

[0027] Desktop item 220 can be used to set settings for the desktop used by applications, such as display mode (e.g., normal or dark mode).

[0028] Logout option 250 allows users to log out of the instant messaging application, and delete account option 260 allows users to delete a user's account from the instant messaging application. With logout option 250 selected, the user is able to log out of the instant messaging application. The user can rejoin the chat room without losing any messages, even when logged out. On the other hand, when a user logs out of the instant messaging application, the user may leave every chat room and lose all messages and content shared in the chat rooms. To use the instant messaging application after logging out, the user needs to enter authentication information including a login ID and password.

[0029] If the user chooses to delete account item 260, the user's account is removed from the instant messaging server 120, so that the user can no longer use the instant messaging application unless re-registered on the instant messaging server 120 via the instant messaging application.

[0030] The second group may include screen security item 230 and screen blocking item 240. Screen security item 230 may be associated with preventing screen capture and screen recording. Even if the current setting of screen security item 230 is OFF when the radio button is positioned to the left of radio button switch 235, the default setting for screen security item 230 may also be ON. When screen security item 230 is set to ON, the user is prohibited from screen capturing or screen recording of the content displayed on the screen of computing device 110. In addition, screen capture or screen recording may also be prohibited for any other users invited to or participating in a chat room initiated by the user.

[0031] In general, screen capture functionality can be executed via the operating system or system-level hotkeys. For example, according to one version of the Android system for smart devices, screen capture is executed when the volume down button and the power button are pressed and released simultaneously to capture an image of the content displayed on the screen of a smart device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc.).

[0032] Similarly, screen recording can be performed via a system-level menu or hotkey, depending on the Android version of the smart device. For example, to initiate screen recording, the user needs to swipe down from the top of the smart device screen to access the quick settings panel and swipe right to find and select the screen recording icon.

[0033] In iOS, when a smart device has Touch ID, the side button and home button must be pressed and released simultaneously to capture an image of the content displayed on the screen. Similarly, when a smart device has Face ID, the side button and volume up button must be pressed and released simultaneously. To start screen recording, the user needs to go to Settings and Control Center, find and select Screen Recording. This adds a screen recording icon to the Control Center. The user must then open the Control Center and select the screen recording icon to initiate screen recording. These steps for initiating screen capture and screen recording are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the user to these steps. Other methods or steps can be applied to initiate such functionality based on the type or version of the computing device's operating system.

[0034] These steps for initiating screen capture and recording may apply to some operating systems released after a specific version, and may not apply to any operating system released before that specific version. In any case, screen capture and recording can be performed at the system level or through the application level. Therefore, when screen capture and recording are system-level functions, instant messaging applications may not be able to directly intercept the hotkeys used for screen capture or recording before the system executes the screen capture or recording function. In this case, the system can specify a predefined folder so that captured images or recorded videos are saved in that folder.

[0035] In various aspects, images captured by the screen capture function can have extensions in their filenames (e.g., "jpeg", "jpg", "png", "tiff", "gif", or any other image file format). Because the screen capture function can capture content (e.g., images), this content may be confidential or copyrighted. In such cases, images captured via the screen capture function may infringe on the owner's copyright. Additionally, some content shared in chat rooms may be private or offensive to someone. Therefore, capturing images of content displayed on the screen may infringe on someone's privacy. Therefore, by setting screen security item 230 to ON, such potential privacy and copyright violations can be avoided.

[0036] Audio and video files captured via the screen recording function may have extensions in their filenames (e.g., "mp4", "mp3", "aac", "ogg", "wav", "pcm", "webm", "wmv", "avi", "mkv", or any other multimedia file format). Since video files record not only what is displayed on the screen but also movies, audio, and images played by the computing device 110, the screen-recorded video files may potentially infringe on copyrights when copyrighted songs or movies are played on the screen and through the speakers of the computing device 110, as they contain such copyrighted audiovisual content. Therefore, this potential copyright infringement can be avoided by setting the screen security option 230 to ON.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, when a user uploads a document, image, audio file, video file, or any file to a chat room, the instant messaging application can provide the uploading user with the option to apply file-specific permissions to the uploaded file. For example, the uploading user may be able to instruct that a specific file should not be available for download by other participants. The uploading user may also instruct that the uploaded file should expire after a specific period of time and no longer be accessible to users. Furthermore, the uploading user may be able to set the file quality for each participant. For example, audio / video / image files may be played / downloaded at full resolution for one group of users and at a reduced resolution for another group of users.

[0038] Additionally, users uploading files may be able to set access permissions. For example, one group of users might be granted full access, while another group might be granted partial access. For audio / video files, one group of users might be able to play the entire content, while a portion (e.g., the first few seconds or minutes) could be granted to another group. For document files, one group of users might have access to the entire content, while another group might have access to portions (e.g., the first few pages or every few pages).

[0039] User-specific permission settings are not limited to the list above, but can include any other settings that give the uploading user complete control over the use of files uploaded or shared in the chat room. Furthermore, the uploading user may be able to categorize participating users into more than two groups and set settings specific to each group. In this way, the uploading user may be able to ensure the privacy and security of the content uploaded or shared by the uploading user, regardless of the settings set by the chat room organizer.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the instant messaging server may allow users to assign digital or visual watermarks to uploaded files. In at least one embodiment, the digital or visual watermark is applied uniquely based on each individual user within the chat. For example, the digital or visual watermark may be each user's username, each user's public encryption key, or a hash of some other identifiable attribute of each user within the chat, or otherwise integrated. Thus, in at least one embodiment, each user can receive a unique version of an uploaded file created by the instant messaging application, including a watermark specific to the receiving user. This allows the digital or visual watermark to enable the identification of who committed the disclosure if the uploaded file is copied, shared, or forwarded to others, by tracing the trail of the watermark. Additionally or alternatively, the instant messaging application or instant messaging server may add the watermark when content is copied, forwarded, shared, screen-captured, or screen-recorded.

[0041] When a user attempts to change the screen security setting 230 from OFF to ON, a pop-up window 270 may appear to ask the user whether they want to prevent screenshots and screen recording of private chats, such as... Figure 2B As shown. Users can confirm the settings changes by clicking the "Confirm" button.

[0042] Now, let's return to the settings of lock screen blocker 240, which is used to block copy, forward, and share functions. For example, when a chat room user attempts to share text or audiovisual content that may be related to copyright or privacy by pressing a key for a predetermined time period (e.g., one, two, or more than two seconds), a privacy or copyright violation may occur when it is actually copied, shared, or forwarded. This can be prevented by setting lock screen blocker 240 to ON.

[0043] User application settings screen 200 shows that when the radio button is positioned to the left of radio button switch 245, the value of screen blocker 240 is OFF. In one aspect, the default setting for screen blocker 240 can be ON. When a user attempts to set screen blocker 240 to ON, a pop-up window 280 may appear to ask the user whether they want to prevent copying, forwarding, and sharing messages (e.g., text, audio, or visual content) in private chats. Figure 2C As shown. Users can confirm the settings by clicking the "Confirm" button.

[0044] When both screen security option 230 and screen blocking option 240 are set to ON, the user settings application settings screen 200 displays radio buttons positioned to the right of radio button switches 235 and 245, as shown below. Figure 2D As shown.

[0045] Now go to Figures 3A-3C A graphical illustration of a chat room settings screen 300 of an instant messaging application installed on a computing device 110, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown. Although by Figure 2A The settings on the user application settings screen 200 can be applied to all chat rooms initiated by the user, but Figure 3A The chat room settings screen 300 can only be applied to a single chat room. In other words, the settings in the user application settings screen 200 can be the default settings for all chat rooms, while the settings in the chat room settings screen 300 can be customized for the specific individual chat room.

[0046] The chat room settings screen 300 may include chat room features, call items 310, common group items 320, and item items 330.

[0047] The chat room settings screen 300 can also include screen security option 340 and screen blocking option 350. Detailed descriptions of screen security option 340 and screen blocking option 350 can be found above. Figure 2A It can be found in the descriptions of screen security item 230 and screen blocking item 240.

[0048] As shown in the figure, screen security option 340 is set to OFF, and screen blocking option 350 is set to ON. Therefore, screen capture and recording features are allowed in this chat room, while copying, sharing, and forwarding features are prevented.

[0049] Figure 3B A chat room screen 380 is shown, in which a user attempts to copy, share, forward, respond, or add an emoji to image 360. When an image is selected and held down for a predetermined period of time, a pop-up menu 370 appears on the chat room screen 380 without obscuring image 360. The pop-up menu 370 may include a copy option 371, a star option 372, a reply option 373, a forward option 374, a content call option 375, and a share option 376. Figure 3A With screen blocking item 350 set to ON, copy item 371, forward item 374, content call item 375, and share item 376 are shown as inactive. Therefore, the user cannot copy, share, or forward image 360.

[0050] On the other hand, the star item 372 and reply item 373 are activated. Users can leave a star or any emoticon 377 to express their emotions to the image 360. Additionally, users may be able to reply to the image 360 ​​by selecting reply item 373. This reply may be displayed on the chat room screen 380 along with a scaled-down image of the image 360 ​​to indicate that the reply is in response to the image 360. The image 360 ​​is provided as an example, and any text message, shared document, image, video, audio, search results, or anything displayed on the chat room screen 380 can be selected for copying, sharing, forwarding, screen capture, or screen recording.

[0051] If the user selects one of the inactive menu items (such as copy item 371), the instant messaging application can display a notification window 390, such as... Figure 3C As shown, this notifies the organizer or initiator of the chat room that they wish the chat to be confidential and that "copying images" is not allowed. The message displayed in notification window 390 is provided as an example and may include other similar messages regarding privacy and security protections.

[0052] Now go to Figure 4AThe diagram illustrates a graphical description of a chat room settings screen 400 for a group chat in an instant messaging application installed on a computing device 110, according to various aspects of this disclosure. The chat room settings screen 400 may include a list 410 of users in the group chat. In this list, the organizer of the group chat may be able to add or invite another user by clicking "Add Participant".

[0053] Additionally, the chat room settings screen 400 may include screen security items 420 and screen blocking items 430, which can be described in detail above. Figure 2A The settings can be found in Screen Security Item 230 and Screen Blocking Item 240. When the organizer configures the settings for Screen Security Item 230 and / or Screen Blocking Item 240, the organizer may be able to configure settings for certain user groups in List 410. In these settings, the organizer can apply different permissions to one or more users within a user group in List 410. For example, a first user subgroup may be allowed to freely copy, share, forward, screen capture, or screen record content, while a second user subgroup may be prohibited from doing so, and vice versa.

[0054] Furthermore, when uploading or sharing files, each uploading user may be able to set user-specific permissions by individually selecting a first subgroup and a second subgroup of users in list 410. The first subgroup will receive the full version of the uploaded file, and the second subgroup will receive a downgraded or otherwise modified version of the uploaded file. The instant messaging application can be configured to automatically apply downgrades or modifications to uploaded files based on user-specific permissions. Each user within a sub-chat can have the ability to set their own user-specific permissions, giving each individual user complete control over the use of files they upload or share to the chat.

[0055] Returning to the chat room settings screen 400, the organizer can set different user levels or permissions in list 410. For example, when the purpose of the subgroup chat room is to create popular songs, the organizer can identify the first subgroup of users as audio engineers, the second subgroup as creators, the third subgroup as singers, and the fourth subgroup as peer reviewers. The organizer can set user-specific permissions for each subgroup within the chat. For example, the organizer can set permissions that allow the instant messaging application to downgrade the bitrate of a song based on which subgroup a given participant falls into. If a creator creates a digital song in a high-fidelity format (e.g., a "lossless" version) and uploads it to the subgroup chat room, each member of the chat subgroup will receive a specific version of that digital song based on which permission subgroup they fall into. For example, users in the peer reviewer subgroup can receive a downgraded mp3 version of the song. Conversely, users in the audio engineer subgroup can receive the original, unaltered lossless version of the digital song. This ability for the instant messaging application to automatically downgrade digital songs based on the recipient provides uploading users with strong control over their own content. For example, an uploading user might ensure their sound engineer receives a full, lossless version of the song for professional processing, while simultaneously providing a downgraded version to peer reviewers who can listen and provide feedback. However, this downgraded version lacks sufficient fidelity to pose a market threat should it be leaked. In the example above, bitrate is provided merely as an example of downgrading a specific type of file.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, users uploading audio / video files can set settings specific to each subgroup. In this case, settings set by the organizer can have lower priority than user settings for the files being uploaded. In other words, when the organizer sets security option 420 to ON and the user sets copy / share / forward settings for their subgroup, the subgroup may be able to copy / share / forward files even if this is disabled by the organizer.

[0057] In one instance, when uploading a Word file, the uploading user might be able to set full access to a first subgroup and partial access to a second subgroup. For example, the first subgroup might be able to download and edit / change / revise the original Word file, while the second subgroup might be able to download it in a read-only version (e.g., the final read-only PDF format). Additionally, the uploading user might be able to configure settings that allow the second subgroup to download PDF files with a lower resolution than the original Word file.

[0058] In another example, when uploading a video file, the uploading user might be able to set full access to a first subgroup and partial access to a second subgroup. For instance, the first subgroup might be able to download it at its full resolution, while the second subgroup might be able to download it at a lower resolution. Additionally, based on user-specific settings, the user's second subgroup might be able to download or view shorter portions of the video file than the original complete video file.

[0059] In another example, when a watermark can be displayed on a file during viewing, the uploading user might be able to configure settings such that a first subgroup can view files without a watermark, while a second subgroup can view files with a watermark. Before copying, sharing, or forwarding a file, an instant messaging application can apply a watermark to the file, notifying other users during viewing that the user who shared the file is not the original owner. In this case, the watermark can include information about the owner, chat room, or timestamp of file creation, as well as other information that can be used to identify the file's owner or source.

[0060] Unless there are any user-specific settings for files uploaded by users, settings set by the chat room organizer will be applied to any shared files within the chat room.

[0061] As shown in the figure, screen security option 420 is inactive, while blocking option 430 is active. Using these settings, a user uploads document 450 to the group chat screen 440. When another user clicks and holds document 450 for a predetermined time period, a pop-up menu 460 can appear on the group chat screen 440. The pop-up menu 460 may include options such as copy image, star, reply, forward, content call, and share. Figure 3B The pop-up menu 370. Further based on security and blocking settings, the copy, forward, content call, and share items are inactive, while the star and reply items are active. When a user attempts to select or click one of the inactive items to copy a document 450, a notification window 470 pops up to inform the user that the group chat organizer wants the chat to be confidential and does not allow document copying.

[0062] On the other hand, since screen security item 420 is not activated, all users in the group chat room can screen capture images of content displayed on the computing device's screen, and screen record the content displayed on the screen and any movies or audio played by the computing device. Therefore, private messages or copyrighted videos or audio can be included in screenshots or screen-recorded videos, potentially raising privacy or copyright infringement issues when shared with other users.

[0063] Now switch to the security settings for group chats. Figure 5AThis shows what happens when the initiator of a group chat enables security options in the chat room settings screen 500 (e.g., Figure 4A The confirmation window 510 (screen security option 420) provides a graphical explanation. Confirmation window 510 requires the organizer to confirm that they wish to prevent participants from taking screenshots and recording content shared in the group chat. When the confirmation button is selected, the security option is set to ON or activated.

[0064] exist Figure 5B In the group chat room screen 520, changes to users in the group chat are notified, and settings changes are displayed to inform users of these changes. This notification can be shown only to the user or to all users in the group chat. Additional notifications can be displayed to notify all users of the changes. Specifically, notification 530 informs the user that another user has been added to the group chat. Another notification 540 informs the organizer that confidential chat or blocking items have been disabled. Yet another notification 550 informs the organizer that secure chat has been enabled or that a security item has been switched from OFF to ON.

[0065] After this security setting change, no user will be able to screen capture or record content shared in the group chat. Additionally, a lock icon 570 can be displayed at the top of the group chat room to notify all users that the group chat is secure. As shown in the image, after the change, sharing an image 560 in the group chat is no longer possible. Therefore, when a user in the group chat attempts to screen capture content shared in the group chat, instead of... Figure 5B The appearance of the group chat room shown is as follows: Figure 5C The default image 580 shown can be saved in a predefined folder, which has been designated by the operating system for saving screen-captured images. The default image 580 can be a blank image. Similarly, when a user attempts to screen-record content shared in a group chat, the default video can be saved in a predefined folder, which has been designated by the operating system for saving screen-recorded videos. The default video can be a blank video. In one aspect, the predefined folder for saving screenshots can be different from the predefined folder for saving screen-recorded files.

[0066] In various ways, instant messaging applications may be able to intercept such attempts at screen capture or screen recording. For example, there are system flags or variables used for screen capture (e.g., FLAG_SECURE in Android). When an instant messaging application is able to modify system variables related to screen capture or screen recording, it may be able to disable screen capture and screen recording capabilities.

[0067] On the other hand, instant messaging applications may not be able to change system variables used for screen capture or screen recording. In such cases, users in one-on-one or group chats may be able to screen capture images of content displayed on the screen and screen record content shared in the chat room, regardless of security and blocking settings. This disclosure provides a way to address privacy and security issues in this situation.

[0068] When security is enabled in an instant messaging application and the system saves screenshots or images of content in a designated folder, the instant messaging application can access the designated folder, remove screenshots, and replace them with default images, such as... Figure 5C The default image is 580.

[0069] Similarly, when security is set to ON in an instant messaging application, and when the system saves screen-recorded video files in a designated folder, the instant messaging application can access the designated folder, remove the screen-recorded video files, and replace them with a default video file, which is a blank or empty video file. The ways in which an instant messaging application removes or replaces screenshots or screen-recorded video files are not limited to this, but may include other methods readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0070] Now go to Figure 6A The diagram illustrates a graphical representation of a project settings screen 600 for a project, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Unlike group chat, the project owner may be able to differentiate users within the project. According to the project settings screen 600, the project owner can designate an editor 605 who can change the project settings and / or has abilities similar to those of the project owner. The project owner can invite other users as guests 610, who may not be able to change the project settings but may be able to participate in chat within the project chat room based on those settings.

[0071] The project settings screen 600 may include menu items such as privacy 610, audience identification 615, screen security 620, screen blocking 625, and visitor discussion 630. Based on the privacy setting 610, the project owner may be able to make the project chat room private or public. When the project chat room is set to public, anyone can see it, allowing the project to gain public attention. When the project chat room is set to private, no one can see it except for invited editors 605 and visitors 610.

[0072] When set to ON, audience identification item 615 requires users to enter an ID and password to log in to the project chat room, thus leveraging an additional level of security to protect the project's security and privacy. The ID can be a facial ID, login ID, pattern, or password. The list of IDs is not limited to these and may include other types of IDs currently recognized in the secure area (e.g., driver's licenses, government-issued identification, eye patterns, vein patterns on the hands, etc.). In one aspect, the ID can be the ID of a computing device or a unique ID for an instant messaging application.

[0073] Details of screen security item 620 and screen blocking item 625 can be found above. Figure 2A Details of screen security item 230 and screen blocking item 240 can be found in the description. In one aspect, when the project owner sets the settings for screen security item 620 and / or screen blocking item 625, the user may be able to set settings for a subset of user groups, such as invited visitors 610. In this subset setting, the project owner can trust other users (e.g., editor 605) without worrying about them copying, sharing, forwarding, screen capturing, or recording content, while invited visitors 610 can be prohibited from copying, sharing, forwarding, screen capturing, or recording content. On the other hand, the project owner may be able to set screen security and screen blocking items for a subset of visitors 610, allowing visitors in that subset to enjoy similar privileges to editor 605.

[0074] When visitor discussion item 630 is set to ON, visitor user 610 may be able to participate in the project chat. On the other hand, when visitor discussion item 630 is set to OFF, visitor user may not be able to participate in the project chat, but may be able to see the project chat to understand the project's progress.

[0075] The project settings screen 600 may also include a transfer item 635 and a deletion item 640. The project owner may be able to transfer ownership of the project to another user by selecting the transfer item 635.

[0076] The delete option 640 can be used to delete an item. When selected, editors 605 and visitors 610 can be notified that the item is being deleted and exit when the item is deleted.

[0077] As shown in the figure, in the project settings screen 600, the screen interception item 625 is set to ON. When in... Figure 6BWhen an image 670 is shared in the project chat room screen 650 and the user selects and presses the image 670 for a predetermined period of time, a pop-up menu 660 appears on the project chat room screen 650. Due to the settings of screen blocking item 625, the copy option is not activated. Because projects have a higher security level than one-on-one or group chats, the options for sharing and forwarding content shared in the project chat room can be removed by default in the instant messaging application, and therefore, a menu item for sharing or forwarding options is not included in the pop-up menu 660.

[0078] Now go to Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a method 700 for protecting privacy and security within an instant messaging platform, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Instant messaging platforms or applications present various privacy and security issues based on the possibility that users in chat rooms may be able to copy, forward, share content shared in the chat room, and screen capture or screen record content displayed on the chat room or audiovisual content played on a computing device. Content shared in chat rooms may include private, offensive, confidential, or copyrighted images, videos, audio, or text messages.

[0079] Specifically, phone or video calls between users in a chat room can be recorded using screen recording. Call history may include the other party's name, which could expose privacy issues, and can be captured by screen capture or even copy / forward / share functionality. The chat room screen may include search results, and users can share confidential documents, images, blueprints, videos, and audio. Regarding projects, content appearing in project chats and the project itself can be confidential, and archived content in the project's file screen and its folders can be confidential and private. This list of confidential, private, copyrighted, and secure content is not exhaustive but may include any other content that could raise privacy or security issues if captured, copied, forwarded, shared, or recorded. Method 700 can protect such content from being captured, copied, forwarded, shared, or recorded based on appropriate settings.

[0080] Method 700 may include action 710, which is performed by determining whether a copy / share / forward / capture / record attempt is detected in the instant messaging platform. The copy / share / forward attempt can be detected based on a user's direct contact with content within the instant messaging platform. For example, when a user selects content by right-clicking it with their mouse and chooses a menu item for copy / share / forward. Or, when a user uses a smart device, places their finger on content, and holds the finger for a predetermined period of time, a menu item pops up, and the user selects the copy / share / forward menu item.

[0081] Regarding capture / recording attempts, the instant messaging platform can detect such attempts when a user initiates screen capture or screen recording using a hotkey or system-level command.

[0082] If no attempt is detected, method 700 continues with action 710. It should be noted that action 710 is executed in the background, meaning that other operations and functions are performed in the foreground of the instant messaging platform.

[0083] When an attempt is detected in action 710, the method may further include action 720, which is performed by determining whether copying / sharing / forwarding / capturing / recording is allowed based on the instant messaging platform's settings. For example, when screen security settings (e.g., Figure 2A When the screen security option 230 is set to OFF, screen capture and screen recording functions are enabled, while screen blocking options (e.g., ...) are enabled. Figure 2A When the screen blocking item 240 is set to OFF, the copy / share / forward function is allowed.

[0084] On one hand, settings for the instant messaging application can be configured within the desktop of the instant messaging platform or application, and settings for the chat room or project chat room can be configured within the chat room or project chat room. When settings in the chat room conflict with settings in the instant messaging application, the chat room settings can have higher priority than the instant messaging application settings.

[0085] When it is determined in action 720 that copy / share / forward / capture / record functions are permitted, copy / share / forward / capture / record attempts are allowed. Specifically, capture functions may include screen capture and screen recording functions. Selected content can be copied, shared, or forwarded as the user expects; content displayed in the chat room can be captured and saved in a pre-defined folder already specified by the operating system; or content displayed in the chat room and any audio / video played by the computing device can be recorded and stored in a pre-defined folder. In one aspect, the pre-defined folder for images used for screen capture may be different from the pre-defined folder for videos used for screen recording.

[0086] When it is determined in action 720 that the copy / share / forward / capture function is not allowed, method 700 may include further actions to disallow capture / recording attempts. In action 740, it is determined whether the operating system of the instant messaging platform or instant messaging application handles the capture / recording function.

[0087] When it is determined that the instant messaging application handles capture / recording functionality, method 700 may include action 770, which is performed by displaying a notification on the chat room screen to prevent screen capture or recording, thereby notifying the user attempting to perform screen capture or recording. Method 700 may then return to action 710 and repeat actions 710-770 until the chat room is closed.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined that the operating system handles the capture / recording function, the operating system performs the capture function. In other words, the operating system captures images of the content displayed on the chat room screen, records video files based on the content displayed on the chat room screen and the audio / video played by the computing device, and saves the captured images and recorded videos in corresponding predetermined folders.

[0089] To prevent such stored images and recorded videos from being distributed to other users, method 700 may also include action 750, which is performed by checking a predetermined folder. Specifically, if a screen capture attempt is detected in action 710, action 750 checks the predetermined folder for saving the captured images, or if a screen recording attempt is detected in action 710, it checks the predetermined folder for saving the recorded videos.

[0090] In one aspect, action 750 also checks whether a screen-captured image or screen-recorded video is saved in a predetermined folder based on the timestamp of the image or video. When a saved file exists in the predetermined folder (based on its timestamp) when attempting screen capture or recording, method 700 may further include action 760, which is performed by removing the saved file or replacing it with a default file. Specifically, the instant messaging application can locate and remove the saved file corresponding to the screen-captured image or screen-recorded video from the predetermined folder.

[0091] In one aspect, a default file can be used to replace the saved file corresponding to a screen-captured image or screen-recorded video. This default file can be a blank image or video. Thus, even if the operating system can capture images of the content displayed in the chat room or record videos of that content at the system level, the instant messaging application may be able to remove the saved file or replace it with a blank file. This enhances privacy and security within the instant messaging platform by preventing potentially shared, copied, or forwarded private, confidential, or copyrighted content shared and / or played in the chat room from being shared, copied, or forwarded to others.

[0092] Method 700 may further include action 770, which is performed by displaying a notification on the screen of the computing device in the chat room regarding the prevention of screen capture or screen recording, thereby notifying the user attempting to perform the function. Method 700 may then return to action 710 and repeat actions 710-770 until the chat room is closed.

[0093] The functionality of a computing system can be enhanced by enabling it to interconnect with other computing systems via network connectivity. Network connectivity can include, but is not limited to, connections via wired or wireless Ethernet, cellular connections, or even computer-to-computer connections via serial, parallel, USB, or other means. This connectivity allows the computing system to access services on other computing systems and to receive application data from them quickly and efficiently.

[0094] The interconnection of computing systems has facilitated distributed computing systems, such as so-called "cloud" computing systems. In this specification, "cloud computing" can refer to a system or resource that enables ubiquitous, convenient, and on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, services, etc.), which can be provisioned and released with reduced management effort or service provider interaction. Cloud models can consist of various features (e.g., on-demand self-service, widespread network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measurement services, etc.), service models (e.g., Software as a Service ("SaaS"), Platform as a Service ("PaaS"), Infrastructure as a Service ("IaaS"), and deployment models (e.g., private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, etc.).

[0095] Cloud-based and remote service applications are commonplace. Such applications are hosted on public and private remote systems such as the cloud and typically provide multiple web-based services for communicating back and forth with clients.

[0096] Many computers are designed to be used through direct user interaction. Thus, computers have input hardware and software user interfaces to facilitate user interaction. For example, modern general-purpose computers may include a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, camera, etc., to allow users to input data into the computer. Furthermore, various software user interfaces may be available.

[0097] Examples of software user interfaces include graphical user interfaces, text-based command-line user interfaces, function key or hotkey user interfaces, etc.

[0098] Now go to Figure 8The disclosed aspects may include or utilize a dedicated or general-purpose computing device 800 comprising computer hardware, as discussed in more detail below. The computing device 800 may be a laptop or desktop computer, a server, an edge computer, or a cloud computer. The computing device 800 may include a processor 810, memory 820, a display 830, a network interface 840, input devices 850, and / or output devices 860. The memory 820 includes any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing data and / or software that can be executed by the processor 810 and control the operation of the computing device 800.

[0099] The computing device 800 may include an operating system configured to execute executable instructions. An operating system is, for example, software that includes programs and data, manages the hardware of the disclosed device, and provides services for executing applications used with the disclosed device. Those skilled in the art will recognize that suitable operating systems include, by way of non-limiting example, FreeBSD®, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux®, Unix®, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle® Solaris®, Windows Server®, Windows®, Novell®, NetWare®, iOS®, Android®, or any other readily available operating system. In some aspects, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.

[0100] Processor 810 may be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) configured to perform specific graphics processing tasks (e.g., for training and testing parallel processing of data packets for potential network attacks) while freeing up the general-purpose processor to perform other tasks, and / or any combination of such processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits. Therefore, the term "processor" as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other physical structure suitable for implementing the described techniques. Furthermore, these techniques may be implemented entirely within one or more circuit or logic elements.

[0101] Memory 820 may include one or more solid-state storage devices, such as flash memory chips. Alternatively, or in addition to the one or more solid-state storage devices mentioned above, memory 820 may include one or more mass storage devices connected to processor 810 via a mass storage controller (not shown) and a communication bus (not shown). Although the description of computer-readable media contained herein refers to solid-state storage, those skilled in the art will understand that computer-readable storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by processor 810. That is, computer-readable storage media may include non-transitory, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented with any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. For example, computer-readable storage media include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other solid-state storage technologies, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc (DVD), Blu-ray or other optical storage, magnetic tape cassette, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible by computing device 800.

[0102] Memory 820 may store application program 824 (e.g., fingerprint database, AI algorithm, etc.) and / or data 822 (e.g., fingerprint). Application program 824 may, when executed by processor 810, cause display 830 to present a user interface to provide information to the user. Application program 824 may be one or more software programs stored in memory 820 and executed by processor 810 of computing device 800. Application program 824 may be installed directly on computing device 800 or via network interface 840. Application program 824 may run natively on computing device 800 as a web-based application or in any other format known to those skilled in the art.

[0103] In one aspect, application 824 may include a sequence of procedural executable instructions that can execute any of the methods, programs, algorithms, or code described herein, which are translated into or expressed in a programming language or computer program. As used herein, the terms “programming language” and “computer program” respectively include any language used to specify instructions for a computer, and include (but are not limited to) the following languages ​​and their derivatives: assembler, Basic, batch file, BCPL, C++, C, Delphi, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, Python, machine code, operating system command languages, Pascal, Perl, PL1, scripting languages, Visual Basic, meta-languages ​​that specify the program itself, and all first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or other generation computer languages. Databases and other data schemas are also included, as well as any other meta-languages. There is no distinction between languages ​​that are interpreted, compiled, or use compilation and interpretation methods. There is no distinction between a compiled version of a program and a source version. Therefore, a reference to a program is a reference to any and all such states in which a programming language may exist in more than one state, such as source, compilation, object, or linking. References to a program may contain actual instructions and / or the intent of those instructions.

[0104] Display 830 can be a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. In some aspects, the OLED display is a passive matrix OLED (PMOLED) or an active matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. In various aspects, display 830 can be a plasma display and a video projector. In various aspects, display 830 can be interactive (e.g., having a touchscreen or sensors such as a camera, 3D sensor, etc.) that can detect user interactions / gestures / responses, etc., to serve as both an input and output device.

[0105] The network interface 840 can be configured to connect to a network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless mobile network, a Bluetooth network, and / or the Internet, which consists of wired and / or wireless networks.

[0106] For example, computing device 800 can process digital measurement data obtained from a multi-arm helical antenna via network interface 840 to identify the direction of the signal transmission source. Computing device 800 can update AI algorithms, such as application 824, via network interface 840. Computing device 800 can also display processing results from training and / or testing, and any notifications, on display 830.

[0107] Input device 850 can be any device that a user can use to interact with computing device 800, such as, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, and / or any other interface. Output device 860 may include any connection port or bus, such as a parallel port, serial port, universal serial bus (USB), or any other similar connection port known to those skilled in the art.

[0108] A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transmission of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer via a network or another communication connection (or a combination of hard-wired, wireless, or hard-wired or wireless), the computer appropriately regards that connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media may include networks and / or data links that can be used to carry program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. The above combinations also include those within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0109] Furthermore, upon arrival at various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be automatically transferred from a transmission computer-readable medium to a physical computer-readable storage medium (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received via a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC") and subsequently transferred to computer system RAM and / or to a less lossable computer-readable physical storage medium at the computer system. Therefore, computer-readable physical storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[0110] For example, computer-executable instructions include instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a specific function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions can be, for example, binary code, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter of the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or actions. Rather, the described features and actions are intended to be disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

[0111] Those skilled in the art will understand that this invention can be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, etc. This invention can also be practiced in distributed system environments where both local and remote computer systems linked via a network (or via hardwired data links, wireless data links, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules can reside in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0112] Alternatively, or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include: Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-Specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-Chip (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0113] This invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments should be considered merely illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All variations that occur within the meaning and scope of the equivalence of the claims should be included within their scope.

Claims

1. A computing device for protecting privacy and security within an instant messaging platform, comprising: One or more processors; as well as One or more computer-readable media having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing device to: Receive attempts from users to access content shared within the instant messaging platform; Determine whether privacy protection is set up within the instant messaging platform; If privacy protection is set up: Access to the content is not permitted; as well as Display a notification to the user regarding the protection of the content; as well as If it is determined that no privacy protections are set, the user is allowed to access the content.

2. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The content can be text, audio, video, document, image, audio call, or video call.

3. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The privacy settings for the content are individually configured by the user who uploaded it.

4. The computing device according to claim 2, wherein, The privacy settings for the content configured by the user have a higher priority than the privacy settings within the instant messaging platform.

5. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The user's attempts are hotkeys processed by the operating system of the instant messaging platform.

6. The computing device according to claim 5, wherein, When the executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the computing device also enables the following if privacy protections are determined to be enabled: Access the designated folder where a copy of the contents will be stored; and Remove or replace the copy of the content with a default file.

7. The computing device according to claim 6, wherein, The default file can be blank text, audio, video, document, or image.

8. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, Determining whether privacy protection is enabled is based on the privacy protection settings within the instant messaging platform.

9. The computing device according to claim 8, wherein, The privacy protection settings are configured for specific user groups within group chats on the instant messaging platform.

10. The computing device according to claim 8, wherein, The privacy protection settings include settings to prevent screen capture and settings to prevent the content from being copied, forwarded, or shared.

11. A method for protecting privacy within an instant messaging platform, comprising: Receive attempts from users to access content shared within the instant messaging platform; Determine whether privacy protection is set up within the instant messaging platform; If privacy protection is set up: Access to the content is not permitted; as well as Display a notification to the user regarding the protection of the content; as well as If it is determined that no privacy protections are set, the user is allowed to access the content.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The content can be text, audio, video, document, image, audio call, or video call.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The privacy settings for the content are individually configured by the user who uploaded it.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The privacy settings for the content configured by the user have a higher priority than the privacy settings within the instant messaging platform.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The user's attempts are hotkeys processed by the operating system of the instant messaging platform.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, when it is determined that privacy protection is enabled: Access the designated folder where a copy of the contents will be stored; and Remove or replace the copy of the content with the default file.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The default file can be blank text, audio, video, document, or image.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Determining whether privacy protection is enabled is based on the privacy protection settings within the instant messaging platform.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The privacy protection settings are configured for specific user groups within group chats on the instant messaging platform.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable content having executable instructions stored thereon, the executable instructions, when executed by a computing device, causing the computing device to perform a method for protecting privacy within an instant messaging platform, the method comprising: Receive attempts from users to access content shared within the instant messaging platform; Determine whether privacy protection is set up within the instant messaging platform; If privacy protection is set up: Access to the content is not permitted; as well as Display a notification to the user regarding the protection of the content; as well as If it is determined that no privacy protections are set, the user is allowed to access the content.

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