Dive Brief:

• HP says it will include integrated filters with its laptop and tablet displays this year in an effort to help protect user privacy.

• The new privacy filters placed on laptop and tablet screens make the display visible to users only in direct view of the devices. Those not looking directly at the screen or from a distance will see a distorted and nearly invisible display.

• HP says the technology will help prevent "visual hacking." 

Dive Insight:

Privacy filters for laptops have been available for years, but they need to be attached to laptop screens externally. HP's integration of the film in the computer screen, which was developed in conjunction with 3M, is unique. Users can turn the integrated privacy filter on and off and it does not interfere with the resolution of the screen.

The new technology will be available this year, likely in HP's 14-inch laptops first and HP said it plans to add the filters to more products this year.