Microsoft has responded to the privacy concerns surrounding its controversial Recall tool, announcing that it has made significant changes in response to feedback from critics. The tool, which takes regular screenshots of users’ online activity, was initially met with backlash when it was unveiled in May 2024, with many labeling it a potential “privacy nightmare.”
Following the outcry, Microsoft decided to postpone the release of Recall and has now revealed plans to relaunch the AI-powered tool in November on its new CoPilot+ computers. Some of the more controversial features of the tool have been removed, such as making it opt-in rather than turned on by default.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s data watchdog, had previously raised concerns about Recall and made inquiries with Microsoft about the tool. The ICO has since been informed that a “series of changes” have been made to the product, and will continue to assess it as Microsoft moves towards its launch.
Recall was designed to use AI to search through a user’s past activity, including files, photos, emails, and browsing history, by searching through desktop screenshots taken every few seconds. However, critics raised concerns about the amount of sensitive data the tool would harvest, leading to its delayed release.
Microsoft has now assured users that Recall is an opt-in experience, with snapshots and associated information always encrypted. Additional security measures have been implemented, including requiring a biometric login to access screenshots and ensuring that sensitive information like credit card details will not be captured by default.
While some experts, like cybersecurity professor Alan Woodward, acknowledge the improvements made to Recall, they advise caution before opting in. Woodward suggests waiting for the tool to be tested in real-world scenarios before fully embracing it.
As Microsoft prepares to relaunch Recall on its CoPilot+ computers, the tech giant is hoping that the changes made to the tool will address the privacy concerns that initially surrounded its release.
