Microsoft’s controversial ‘Recall’ feature, originally intended for its new Copilot+ PC range, is making a comeback after facing significant backlash over privacy concerns. The AI-powered search tool, designed to ‘recall’ or find anything on your PC, was initially met with criticism due to its method of operation.
Recall worked by constantly taking screenshots of your desktop without any user-adjustable security or filters. These screenshots were then used to create a searchable index, categorizing everything on your PC without regard for privacy. The lack of security and the potential for sensitive information being accessible raised significant concerns, leading to widespread criticism and ultimately prompting Microsoft to pull the feature before the Copilot+ PC launch.
Now, Microsoft is bringing Recall back, but with changes aimed at addressing the previous privacy concerns. The revamped version will be opt-in, meaning users will have to actively choose to enable it. It will also feature an encrypted database and authentication will require using Windows Hello facial recognition, adding layers of security to protect user data.
Despite these changes, Microsoft faces an uphill battle in regaining user trust. The original version of Recall left many users wary, and the new version will need to prove its commitment to privacy and security. The upcoming release to Windows Insiders in October will be an important test, with user feedback likely influencing the future of the feature.
Additionally, the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act could further impact Recall’s future. The Act requires companies to offer users the ability to uninstall pre-installed software, which could potentially force Microsoft to include an uninstall option for Recall, similar to what they were required to do with their Chromium-based browser, Edge.
