The Recall feature, first introduced by Microsoft in May 2024 but suspended due to severe privacy concerns, is now being reintroduced into Windows 11. While the company has made some technical adjustments, security and privacy experts continue to warn that the new version still poses significant risks.
Recall, powered by AI, captures screenshots every three seconds of everything a user does on their computer, storing these images for easy retrieval through a search function. Users can quickly return to past activities by simply describing the content they wish to find.
The updated version of the feature includes some control options. Users can now opt in to activate Recall, authenticate their identity via Windows Hello, and have the ability to pause the feature or prevent certain screenshots from being taken. Microsoft claims these changes make Recall safer and more user-friendly.
However, criticism persists. Experts point out that even if a user disables Recall, any information they send to someone else with the feature activated will automatically be captured and stored as screenshots. This could include sensitive personal data such as photos, passwords, medical details, or even information shared via privacy-focused messaging apps. Privacy Guides writer Em has highlighted the potential for secure data to be transferred to less secure systems, raising serious concerns.
Additionally, experts note that Recall could provide new opportunities for cybercriminals. If malicious software gains access to a device with Recall enabled, it would have immediate access to a database of sensitive user information, making it easier for hackers to locate critical data without the need for further probing. Legally, this data could also be subpoenaed by authorities during investigations, further compromising user privacy.
Currently, Recall is available only in the preview version of Windows 11, and it has not yet been rolled out to the general public. However, once fully launched, it is expected to spark increased public debate and concern over privacy and security implications.
