Microsoft AI
The UK’s data watchdog is investigating Microsoft over a new AI feature called Recall, which takes screenshots of your computer every few seconds.
Microsoft says Recall is exclusive to its upcoming Copilot+ PCs and will store encrypted screenshots locally on your device. However, privacy advocates have raised concerns, calling it a “privacy nightmare.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is reaching out to Microsoft to understand how user privacy is protected. Microsoft insists Recall is optional, and users can control which screenshots are taken. It also emphasized that the images are stored on the user’s device and cannot be accessed by Microsoft or anyone else without access to the computer.
Despite these reassurances, the ICO says companies must thoroughly assess privacy risks before releasing new products.
Recall’s ability to capture screenshots of everything you do on your computer, including websites, emails, and files, has alarmed privacy experts. Dr. Kris Shrishak, an AI and privacy adviser, warns that this feature could discourage people from visiting certain websites or accessing sensitive documents.
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While Microsoft claims to prioritize user control and privacy, some experts, like Daniel Tozer from Keystone Law, have compared the system to something out of the dystopian TV show Black Mirror. They question how Microsoft will manage sensitive information and whether people in video calls or photos will be asked for consent before being recorded.
Mozilla privacy expert Jen Caltrider also pointed out that anyone with access to your computer, such as law enforcement or someone with your password, could see more personal details through these screenshots. She expressed concerns about sensitive information being captured, like passwords or health details, making people think twice about using the feature for private matters.
