Privacy Tools Block Microsoft's Controversial Recall Feature

Microsoft's controversial "Recall" feature, designed to automatically screenshot user activity on Copilot Plus PCs, is facing significant pushback from privacy-focused applications. Signal initiated the trend of blocking Recall, and now both AdGuard and the Brave browser have followed suit, citing privacy concerns.

Privacy Concerns Spark Resistance

AdGuard has explicitly labeled Recall a "privacy concern," expressing unease with the idea of background screenshots. The company highlighted potential risks, such as capturing private chats, sensitive financial information entered into online forms, or other personal data users would prefer not to be saved.

Brave stated that Signal's proactive blocking of Recall partly inspired its own decision to prevent the feature from accessing its browser. Brave will disable Recall by default for Windows 11+ users, offering an opt-in toggle for those who wish to enable it.

Signal's Initial Block and Microsoft's Response

Signal was the first to block Recall's screenshots in May, criticizing Microsoft for launching the feature without providing developers with granular settings to protect user privacy. Signal's method involves using a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag, which prevents any screenshot or accessibility tools from interacting with the messaging app.

Brave, however, can block Recall while still allowing other screenshot and accessibility tools to function. This is possible because Microsoft permits browser applications to granularly disable Recall. Brave expressed hope that Microsoft would extend this same level of control to all privacy-conscious application developers.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft's Recall feature, which takes continuous screenshots, is being blocked by privacy tools like Signal, AdGuard, and Brave.
• These applications cite significant privacy concerns, fearing the capture of sensitive personal data.
• Signal initially blocked Recall due to a lack of granular privacy controls from Microsoft.
• Brave can block Recall while maintaining other accessibility features, thanks to Microsoft's allowance for granular control in browsers.
• There is a call for Microsoft to provide similar granular disabling options for Recall to all application developers.

Sources

• Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature is now blocked by Brave and AdGuard, The Verge.