Microsoft is taking steps to address privacy concerns surrounding its new Windows feature, Recall, which is designed to allow users to easily access past activities on their Copilot+ PCs. Set to launch later this month, Recall has been under scrutiny for how it handles user data.
Recall, which captures periodic snapshots of user activity, will be entirely opt-in, ensuring users have full control over its activation. Microsoft has emphasized that this feature will require explicit user permission during the initial setup of a Copilot+ PC, offering a more privacy-conscious approach.
To further protect privacy, Microsoft is implementing robust security measures, including mandatory Windows Hello authentication. Users will need to authenticate via facial recognition or fingerprint scanning before they can access or search through their activity timeline. However, Microsoft acknowledges that this system is not foolproof, as access could still be compromised if someone obtains a user’s PIN.
The company is also enhancing the security of the data Recall collects by using “just in time” decryption protected by Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security. This means snapshots are only decrypted and made visible following successful user authentication. Additionally, the search index database where this information is stored will be encrypted, adding another layer of security.
Microsoft assures that all data collected by Recall will remain on the device and locked to the user’s account, clarifying that it will not be used to train AI models. Users will have the ability to exclude specific apps from being snapshots by Recall, and they can pause or delete snapshots as needed.
Recall aims to function like a photographic memory for your PC, enabling users to retrieve information based on vague recollections, such as a product viewed weeks prior or details from past communications. This feature could transform how users interact with their digital histories, making it easier to locate and utilize past data without manual searches.
A preview of Recall will be available on Copilot+ PCs, which are expected to start shipping on June 18, marking a significant step forward in Microsoft’s integration of advanced AI capabilities within its operating system. Microsoft addresses privacy concerns with its new Recall feature, offering enhanced security measures and opt-in settings. Set to debut on Copilot+ PCs this month, Recall promises a secure way to access and search through past PC activities.
