Recall relaunch: Microsoft addresses privacy concerns
Controversial AI-tool will be launched in November 2024
Microsoft has announced plans to relaunch its AI-powered tool, Recall, in November 2024 following a significant privacy backlash earlier this year.
The tool, initially introduced in May 2024, had been criticised by privacy advocates and labelled a potential “privacy nightmare” due to its capacity to capture regular screenshots of users' activity.
Recall, designed to help users access past work by searching through screenshots of their desktop activity, will now be launched with notable changes. Originally set to be enabled by default, the revised version will be opt-in, allowing users greater control over its usage.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK’s data watchdog, had raised concerns about the tool, prompting Microsoft to postpone its original release. After further review, the ICO confirmed that Microsoft had made substantial changes, but will continue to monitor the product as it moves closer to its November release date.
Online photographic memory
The tool, described by Microsoft as an “online photographic memory,” allows users to search through previous files, photos, emails and browsing history. This functionality is facilitated by screenshots taken every few seconds, helping users quickly locate past activities. However, the vast amount of potentially sensitive information collected raised alarm amongst critics, especially around privacy and data security.
Initially intended to debut with Microsoft’s new CoPilot+ computers in June, the rollout was delayed after Microsoft committed to making the tool more secure.
CoPilot+ laptops, promoted as the most advanced Windows PCs yet, will feature built-in AI chips designed to handle the tool’s high-powered functions.
Enhanced security measures
In its revised form, Recall will feature enhanced security measures. Microsoft’s corporate vice president of Windows and devices, Pavan Davuluri, reassured users that screenshots and related data will be encrypted, with access controlled through biometric logins. Furthermore, credit card details and other sensitive information will not be captured by default.
In a statement Microsoft said: “Based on your feedback, we have worked to make Recall even more secure by default, ensuring that you feel confident that your data is safe and secure. Additionally, Recall will be off by default for all commercial devices.”
This means that screenshots will only be taken and saved if the user explicitly chooses to use the feature. Data from Recall will be stored locally on the device, with no sharing of screenshots or data with Microsoft or third parties unless explicitly authorised by the user.
Windows users will also have full control over their data, with options to delete, pause, or disable snapshots at any time, Microsoft said.
Recall will only be available on Microsoft’s bespoke CoPilot+ range of laptops, which feature the powerful AI chips needed to run the tool.