Microsoft Recall

Microsoft Recall is a feature of Windows 11 which takes a screenshot of a user's desktop every few seconds and then uses on-device artificial intelligence models to allow a user to retrieve items and information that had previously been on their screen. The product's release immediately caused controversy, with experts warning that the feature could be a "disaster" for security and privacy[1], especially as users were initially forced to have Recall enabled.[2] The backlash prompted Microsoft to postpone its rollout.[1][3] Microsoft was forced to make the feature opt in and to provide instructions for how to remove it. [4]

The backlash was centered on both security and privacy features. As soon as it was released Recall was described as a "potential security nightmare"[5]. The initial version of Recall saved all data to a plain text database, making it very easy for the data to be stolen[6] Later versions of Recall have added encryption.[7]

Although Microsoft claims that the data is stored locally and they can't access the data their poor track record in regards to user privacy has led many to conclude that, even if the claims are true of the present version, it may not be true of later versions and will inevitably lead to the data being used for advertising. [8]

1. ^ a b Warren, Tom (June 13, 2024). "Microsoft's all-knowing Recall AI feature is being delayed". The Verge. Archived from the original on September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
2. ^ https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/27/24255721/microsoft-windows-recall-ai-security-improvements-overhaul-uninstall Microsoft’s more secure Windows Recall feature can also be uninstalled by users.
3. ^ https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-recall-off-default-security-concerns Microsoft Will Switch Off Recall by Default After Security Backlash.
4. ^ https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/retrace-your-steps-with-recall-aa03f8a0-a78b-4b3e-b0a1-2eb8ac48701c Retrace your steps with Recall.
5. ^ https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/06/windows-recall-demands-an-extraordinary-level-of-trust-that-microsoft-hasnt-earned/ Windows Recall demands an extraordinary level of trust that Microsoft hasn’t earned
6. ^ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/06/microsoft-makes-recall-feature-off-by-default-after-security-and-privacy-backlash/ Microsoft is reworking Recall after researchers point out its security problems.
7. ^ https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/27/24255721/microsoft-windows-recall-ai-security-improvements-overhaul-uninstallMicrosoft’s more secure Windows Recall feature can also be uninstalled by users.
8. ^ https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-has-lost-trust-with-its-users-windows-recall-is-the-last-straw A PR disaster: Microsoft has lost trust with its users, and Windows Recall is the straw that broke the camel's back