Microsoft has decided to bring back its AI-powered screenshot tool after facing backlash over privacy concerns.
The tool, called Recall, was initially criticized as a “privacy nightmare” when it was introduced in May 2024 because it automatically took screenshots of everything users did on their computers. Following the criticism, Microsoft delayed its launch and made several changes.
BBC News reports that Microsoft now plans to release Recall in November, but with fewer controversial features. For example, users will now need to choose to turn it on, unlike the original version, which was turned on by default.
This change came after the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which monitors data privacy, raised concerns and spoke with Microsoft.
When Microsoft first introduced Recall, they said it would act like a “photographic memory” for your computer, allowing you to search through screenshots of your past activities, like files, photos, and browsing history.
However, many critics worried about how much personal data the tool would collect, especially since it took screenshots every few seconds.
BBC News explained that Recall was never made public, and it was supposed to launch with Microsoft’s new CoPilot+ computers in June.
But due to the privacy issues, Microsoft pushed the release to the fall and added extra security features. For instance, Microsoft now says that screenshots will be encrypted and only accessible through biometric login. Additionally, sensitive information like credit card details won’t be captured by default.
Pavan Davuluri, a Microsoft executive, assured users that Recall would be safe and that people would have control over their privacy settings.
However, as BBC News points out, the tool may still send “diagnostic data” to Microsoft, depending on a user’s settings.
BBC News also quoted Professor Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert from Surrey University, who said these changes were a big improvement.
But he also mentioned that he wouldn’t use the tool right away, preferring to wait until it had been tested more thoroughly.
Ultimately, while Microsoft has tried to address privacy concerns, some people remain cautious. The company continues to assure users that their privacy will be protected with this tool, but as BBC News highlights, the reaction to Recall is still mixed.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c869glx8endo