Microsoft further limits 'Windows AI Recall' public rollout following rising backlash over privacy concerns

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In an update on Microsoft Blog,  the tech giant indicated that it will not be shipping Copilot+ PCs with the controversial 'AI Recall' feature come June 18, and will be postponing the preview’s release to a later date. This decision comes in the wake of public disapproval and criticism. The Recall feature, initially designed to simplify the process of searching through a user’s PC history, faced backlash due to potential privacy and security issues.

 

The Recall feature, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, creates an explorable visual timeline by periodically taking a snapshot of what appears on your screen1. These images are encrypted, stored, and analyzed locally, using on-device AI capabilities to understand their context.

 

The tech giant has been under fire from security researchers and privacy watchdogs alike. The Recall feature, which was touted as a comprehensive record of everything a user does on their PC, was seen as a potential security nightmare. Critics pointed out that the feature’s screenshots did not redact sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords.

 

In response to the criticism, Microsoft has taken steps to give Windows users more control over how the AI feature works. The company has announced updates to improve privacy and security safeguards. These updates include giving users a clearer choice to opt-in to saving snapshots using Recall. If users do not proactively choose to turn it on, the feature will be off by default.

 

In addition, Windows Hello enrollment is required to enable Recall. Microsoft also assured "when Recall (preview) becomes available in the Windows Insider Program, we will publish a blog post with details on how to get the preview." Users will also need a Copilot+ PC that meets Microsoft’s hardware requirements.

 

 

 

What are your thoughts on this development? Is this a step back for the tech giant, or a step forward in prioritizing user privacy and security? Share your views in the comments below.

 

 

Read more:

• https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/06/07/update-on-the-recall-preview-feature-for-copilot-pcs/
• https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-postpones-windows-recall-after-major-backlash-will-launch-copilot-pcs-without-headlining-ai-feature
• https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/06/07/windows-recall-changes/
• https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/windows-11s-ai-recall-feature-is-blasted-by-a-security-expert-as-one-of-the-most-ridiculous-security-failings-ive-ever-seen
• https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/06/windows-recall-demands-an-extraordinary-level-of-trust-that-microsoft-hasnt-earned/
• https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/after-heavy-criticism-of-windows-recall-microsoft-changes-tack-on-the-ai-tool/

 

Top image: Microsoft