Microsoft is making changes to a controversial feature announced for its new range of PCs powered by artificial intelligence after it was flagged as a potential “privacy nightmare”. The company’s “Recall” feature for Copilot+ was initially designed to capture and store screenshots of users’ desktop activity to make their lives easier. However, concerns were raised about potential misuse by hackers, prompting Microsoft to make the feature opt-in instead.
The UK’s data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), expressed concerns about the tool and is currently “making enquiries” with Microsoft. In response to the feedback, Pavan Davuluri, corporate vice president of Windows and devices, announced that Microsoft will make it easier for users to choose to enable Recall on their Copilot+ PC and improve privacy and security safeguards.
The Recall tool, which uses artificial intelligence to access users’ past activity, including files, photos, emails, and browsing history, was a key feature highlighted during Microsoft’s developer conference in May. Executive vice president Yusuf Medhi touted the feature as a way to access virtually anything users have ever seen on their PC, likening it to having photographic memory.
Despite Microsoft’s claims that privacy was built into Recall’s design and users would have control over what was captured, the company is now implementing changes to give users a clearer choice to opt in to saving screenshots during set-up of the PCs. Additionally, users will be required to use Windows’ “Hello” authentication process to enable the tool, adding an extra layer of security.
These updates will be in place before Copilot+ PCs launch on 18 June, as Microsoft aims to address concerns and ensure the privacy and security of its users.
