Abstract: Apparatus and method for achieving optical data protection and intimacy for users of computer terminals. The apparatus includes a searcher screen positioned in front of an optical system and adjustable to the user which communicates in a binocular manner with the user. A tactile contact surface with a sensor grid or raster arranged underneath is present below the searcher screen. A video camera is installed over the tactile contact surface, wherein finger movements of the user taking place on the tactile contact surface are copied by means of the video camera into a virtual image positioned on the searcher screen. The fingers, which are controlled by the user himself, are guided to particular positions of the virtual image, wherein given positions in a virtual image correspond to those on the tactile contact surface where the fingers are currently positioned, and the data input takes place via an associated sensor grid or raster by touching this position of the tactile contact surface.