Microsoft’s Recall feature is designed to work on a new class of Copilot+ PCs, which are expected to start shipping later this month. Users of these PCs will have the option to select which apps or websites are excluded from the screenshot process
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Microsoft announced on Friday that it will disable its upcoming Recall feature by default and implement additional changes in response to criticism from security and privacy experts.
The Recall feature, which is launching in preview, is intended to help PC users easily retrieve information they have previously viewed on their computer. However, concerns were raised that the initial design of the feature could potentially allow hackers to access sensitive private information.
In a blog post on Friday, Microsoft revealed that the Recall feature will now be opt-in rather than enabled by default. Users will need to activate the feature themselves and authenticate using biometric methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Additionally, Microsoft announced that it would encrypt the database containing the screenshots that power the Recall feature. These adjustments come after significant feedback from security and privacy experts, as well as early testers of the software.
At the AI+ Summit hosted by Axios on Wednesday, Signal President Meredith Whittaker criticized the Recall feature, calling it “a serious hijacking of trust” and “a dangerous honeypot for hackers.”
The Recall feature functions by taking frequent screenshots of the user’s computer activities, including scanning text and images, and storing this information in a local database. This allows users to search for and retrieve information they have seen on their computer. Notably, Recall does not send any data to the cloud, maintaining the information solely on the device.
Recall is designed to work on a new class of Copilot+ PCs, which are expected to start shipping later this month. Users of these PCs will have the option to select which apps or websites are excluded from the screenshot process, offering a degree of customization and control over what information is captured.
The modifications to the Recall feature are a direct response to the privacy and security concerns voiced by experts and early users.
By making the feature opt-in and requiring biometric login, Microsoft aims to mitigate the risks associated with storing extensive screenshot data. Encryption of the stored data further enhances security, addressing fears that the feature could be exploited by hackers.
As Microsoft prepares to roll out the Recall feature, these changes are aimed at balancing the convenience of easily retrieving information with the necessity of maintaining user privacy and security.
The feedback-driven adjustments demonstrate Microsoft’s responsiveness to user concerns and its commitment to protecting personal data. The tech community will be closely monitoring the rollout of the Recall feature and its reception among users of the new Copilot+ PCs.
