Microsoft's Recall AI Tool Exposes User Privacy Risks

Microsoft has relaunched its 'Recall' AI feature for Copilot+ PCs, which continuously takes screenshots of nearly everything displayed on a user's screen, raising significant privacy and security concerns. Despite updates such as encrypted screenshot storage, opt-in requirements, and the ability to pause the feature, experts warn that Recall still indiscriminately captures sensitive information—including private messages, passwords, and financial data—without notifying those whose data may be exposed. The feature poses risks not only to users who enable Recall, but also to anyone who communicates with them, as their messages can be stored and processed by Microsoft's AI without their consent. Security researchers and privacy advocates argue that these measures do not fully address the risks of data breaches, unauthorized access, and the undermining of secure messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal. Recall's controversial design highlights broader concerns about AI-driven surveillance and the potential for misuse of personal and confidential information. The persistent lack of warning or control for non-users whose data is captured has led to calls for more robust safeguards or reconsideration of such invasive technologies.