Don't touch my clipboard (alexanderell.is)

Article summary

The article discusses how a website can modify the text that a user copies from it, using JavaScript to add attribution and copyright information. This is done by intercepting the copy event and modifying the selected text. The author argues that this is a bad practice that disrespects the user's actions. The website in question uses this technique to add a citation and copyright notice to the copied text, even if the user only selects a single character.

Main themes

• clipboard modification
• JavaScript and UX
• copyright and attribution
• user experience
• dark patterns

What commenters say

• Some users want a browser plugin or setting to prevent websites from modifying the copied text.
• Others argue that clipboard access is a useful API that should not be disabled by default.
• The practice of modifying the copied text is seen as a dark pattern that disrespects the user's actions.
• There are legitimate use cases for augmenting copied data, but it should not be enabled by default for all websites.
• Browser vendors may be incentivized to allow this practice due to advertising revenue.
• Disabling clipboard events can prevent websites from modifying the copied text, but may also break some legitimate functionality.
• Some users prefer to use plain text editors or other workarounds to avoid modified copied text.
• The debate highlights the tension between user experience, security, and the needs of website owners and advertisers.