Microsoft Forces Windows Recall Opt-In Amid Heavy Privacy Backlash
Microsoft makes its controversial Windows Recall feature opt-in by default and adds biometric security requirements following intense criticism from privacy advocates and experts.
Microsoft changes its controversial Windows Recall feature to an opt-in default following severe backlash from privacy and security experts. The feature, designed to give Copilot+ PC users a "photographic memory" by capturing screenshots every few seconds, faces heavy criticism for potentially storing sensitive information like passwords and confidential messages.
Security researchers warn that Recall creates a treasure trove of data for hackers, drawing comparisons to keylogger malware. The intense scrutiny prompts inquiries from privacy watchdogs, including the UK's Information Commissioner's Office, forcing Microsoft to reconsider its initial automatic activation approach.
To address these concerns, Microsoft requires Windows Hello biometric authentication to enable Recall and adds "just in time" decryption for stored snapshots. These security updates ensure that Recall data is only accessible when a user authenticates, and the revised feature rolls out on Copilot+ PCs starting June 18.