Microsoft Delays Recall Feature

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Microsoft Delays Recall FeatureTech > TechnologyMicrosoft has delayed the rollout of its controversial Recall feature, initially set to be included in new Copilot+ PCs starting June 18. The feature, which takes periodic screenshots of users' screens to create a searchable database, faced backlash over privacy and security concerns. Microsoft will now test Recall with its Windows Insider Program to ensure it meets quality and security standards. The company has also made Recall an opt-in feature and added new security protections.

What's happened

Microsoft has delayed the rollout of its controversial Recall feature, initially set to be included in new Copilot+ PCs starting June 18. The feature, which takes periodic screenshots of users' screens to create a searchable database, faced backlash over privacy and security concerns. Microsoft will now test Recall with its Windows Insider Program to ensure it meets quality and security standards. The company has also made Recall an opt-in feature and added new security protections.

Why it matters

The delay of Microsoft's Recall feature is significant due to the privacy and security implications it raises. The feature's ability to take frequent screenshots and store them locally could potentially expose sensitive information if accessed by malicious actors. This has led to concerns from privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts. The decision to delay and test the feature further reflects Microsoft's commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring user trust. The outcome of this testing phase will likely influence the future of similar AI-driven features in consumer technology.

What the papers say

According to The Independent, Microsoft initially promoted Recall as a tool to give computers a 'photographic memory,' but faced immediate backlash over privacy concerns. The NY Post highlighted that the feature will now be tested with a smaller group of users to ensure it meets security standards. Sky News reported that the UK's Information Commissioner's Office is investigating the feature due to potential privacy risks. Business Insider UK noted that privacy campaigners were alarmed by the feature's ability to take screenshots every few seconds.

How we got here

Microsoft announced the Recall feature in May 2024 as part of its new Copilot+ PCs. The feature was designed to take periodic screenshots of users' screens, creating a searchable database to help users find past activities. However, the feature quickly drew criticism from privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts, who warned that it could be exploited by hackers to access sensitive information. In response, Microsoft made Recall an opt-in feature and added new security measures. The company has now delayed the broad release of Recall to test it further with its Windows Insider Program.

Ask Charlie

Common question

What is Microsoft's Recall feature, and why is it under investigation by the UK watchdog?
Microsoft's Recall feature, designed to take screenshots every few seconds on Copilot+ PCs, is currently under scrutiny by the UK's data protection watchdog due to concerns over user privacy. Let's delve into the details of this investigation and its potential implications.
How does Microsoft's Recall feature work and what are the privacy concerns surrounding it?
Microsoft's Recall feature, part of its AI-powered Copilot+ PCs, has sparked privacy concerns due to its ability to take encrypted screenshots of users' activities every few seconds. While Microsoft emphasizes user control over the snapshots, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is investigating the safeguards in place. Explore the workings of Microsoft's Recall feature and the privacy implications associated with it.
How does Microsoft's new AI-powered feature, Recall, work?
Microsoft's new AI-powered feature, Recall, has sparked curiosity and concerns regarding its functionality. Understanding how Recall operates can shed light on its implications for user privacy and data security.
What are the privacy concerns surrounding Microsoft's new AI-powered feature, Recall?
Microsoft's new AI feature, Recall, has sparked privacy concerns due to its continuous screenshot-taking of users' activities. The feature, part of Copilot+ PCs, aims to enhance user experience by providing a 'photographic memory' of past activities. However, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is investigating potential privacy risks, raising questions about data security and user consent.
What privacy concerns have been raised about Microsoft's Recall feature?
Microsoft's Recall feature has sparked privacy concerns among experts and regulatory bodies. Learn more about the potential risks associated with this feature and how Microsoft is addressing them.
What are the significant changes Microsoft has made to its Recall feature for Windows 11?
Microsoft has recently announced significant changes to its Recall feature for Windows 11, sparking curiosity and concerns among users and experts. Let's delve into the key modifications and their implications for user privacy and security.
Why has Microsoft delayed the rollout of its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs?
Microsoft's decision to delay the rollout of its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs has sparked curiosity and concern among users. Let's delve into the reasons behind this delay and what it means for the future of this AI-driven tool.
What is Microsoft's Recall feature and why has it faced backlash?
Learn about Microsoft's Recall feature, its purpose, and the reasons behind the controversy surrounding it. Discover why privacy and security concerns have led to backlash against this feature.