Microsoft's New AI Screenshot Tool: Is It a Privacy Concern?

[Drfun]

Microsoft is rolling out a new AI-powered tool called "Copilot+ Recall" that takes snapshots of your screen every few seconds. The feature is available to some users with AI-powered PCs and laptops, but it's been met with mixed reactions, especially about privacy.



Recall was first announced last year and got a lot of backlash, with some calling it a "privacy nightmare." Microsoft paused the feature in 2024 but has now started offering it again to users who are part of their Windows Insider testing program. The company plans to expand it globally, though people in the EU will have to wait until 2025.

So, what does Recall do? The feature helps you search through your past activity, like files, emails, photos, and browsing history. For example, if you saw a dress online a few days ago, Recall could help you easily find where you saw it.

Users have to opt in to use Recall, and they can stop the feature from saving screenshots anytime. But privacy experts are still concerned. Dr. Kris Shrishak, who previously criticized Recall, says that while the opt-in process is an improvement, the tool could still be misused.

One big concern is that Recall saves images from emails and messaging apps like WhatsApp, which means pictures and messages from others are stored too. This could be a problem, especially for disappearing messages on platforms like Signal, which would be stored forever by Recall.

Microsoft says the snapshots are saved locally on your device and not shared with them or third parties. Users can also choose which apps Recall can access, and some private modes in browsers won't be captured. Plus, you can delete the screenshots later if you want.

The UK's data watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has said it's keeping an eye on the feature. They want to make sure users are fully informed and that personal data isn't used in ways it wasn't originally meant to be.

While Recall can be helpful for tracking your activity, it's clear that privacy concerns are still a big issue. Whether it's a useful tool or a privacy risk depends on how users manage it.