Windows Recall: Is It A Privacy Risk?

Windows Recall is a new feature that will be introduced into and is exclusive to the next generation of AI-driven PCs known as Copilot+ PCs.

What Is Recall?

Recall is an AI feature that creates and saves searchable snapshots of the screen every 5 seconds. Here is how Microsoft describes Recall:

“Recall takes snapshots of your screen. Snapshots are taken every five seconds while content on the screen is different from the previous snapshot. Your snapshots are then locally stored and locally analyzed on your PC. Recall’s analysis allows you to search for content, including both images and text, using natural language.

Search across time to find the content you need. Then, re-engage with it. With Recall, you have an explorable timeline of your PC’s past” ~ <source>

Recall Controversy

The new Recall feature has been met with criticism from users and security pundits over claims of privacy implications with the major concern being that its database could potentially reveal a user’s entire activity on the PC. Many are also unhappy that initially the feature has been set to opt-out rather than opt-in.

Such has been the extent of the criticism that Microsoft has scrapped its plan to make Recall available on Copilot+ PCs starting June 18, 2024. Instead, the company has decided to preview Recall in the Windows Insider Program first, before general availability. Microsoft also responded to the wave of complaints by announcing the introduction of several new measures to mitigate security and privacy concerns:

1. Recall will now come disabled by default – changed from opt-out to opt-in
2. Windows Hello enrollment is required to enable Recall. Additionally, proof of presence is also required to view your timeline and search in Recall
3. Added extra layers of data protection including “just in time” decryption protected by Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) so Recall snapshots will only be decrypted and accessible when the user authenticates. In addition, the search index database will also be encrypted

• To view Microsoft’s Recall update in full visit: Update on the Recall preview feature for Copilot+ PCs

Tech writers have jumped on board the Recall controversy with all sorts of outlandish accusations. As usual, these accusatory articles tend toward sensationalism with some even constituting pure clickbait. That said, there are genuine concerns over Recall and its privacy/security implications. Perhaps the greatest concern of all for users is whether they can trust Microsoft’s word on these privacy issues.

BOTTOM LINE:

Personally, I fail to see how Recall would be of much use to your average home user anyway. Maybe in corporate or research environments, but I doubt too many home PC users would be overly excited by Recall.

Would you want Recall, do you see it as a useful addition or not? Let us know via the comments.

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