What is Screenshare Detection?

There is no single "screenshare detection" technique — it's a category. Proctoring vendors use webcam-based room scans, audio signature analysis, monitoring of the OS-level screen-capture API (which Zoom and OBS both call), and behavioral signals (typing rhythm, eye movement, focus changes).

False positives are common: students with a second monitor, students with assistive software, and students in environments where someone else is talking nearby can all trigger flags. False negatives are also common — capable users can defeat detection. Most proctoring vendors flag for instructor review rather than auto-failing students.