Microsoft has indicated that it has “listened to feedback” after facing criticism regarding a new tool that routinely captures screenshots of user activities. When it was introduced in May 2024, it was deemed a potential “privacy nightmare” by many critics, leading the company to delay its launch. The tech giant now intends to reintroduce the AI-powered tool in November with its new CoPilot+ computers. Some of the tool's more contentious features have been removed, including the switch from being auto-enabled to an opt-in model. The controversy surrounding Recall prompted the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)—the UK's data protection regulator—to engage with Microsoft regarding the tool. The ICO stated that it has been informed of a "series of changes" made to the product and will continue to monitor Recall as Microsoft approaches launch. During the tool's initial announcement at its developer conference in May, Microsoft claimed it utilized AI to allow access to nearly everything ever seen on a PC, comparing it to having a photographic memory. Recall was meant to search through users' past activities, such as files, photos, emails, and browsing history, to assist in locating previously accessed information through desktop screenshots taken every few seconds. However, critics raised alarms due to the vast amount of sensitive data the system would collect, with one expert calling it a potential “privacy nightmare. " Recall was never publicly launched. A version of the tool was initially planned to debut with the CoPilot+ computers, which Microsoft touted as the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs ever created, when they were set to launch in June after announcing adjustments to enhance security.

The release was further delayed, now anticipated in the autumn, accompanied by additional security measures. "Recall is now an opt-in experience. Snapshots and any related information are always encrypted, " said Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Windows and devices. He noted, "Windows provides tools that empower users to manage their privacy and tailor what is saved for future reference. " However, a technical blog mentions that “diagnostic data” from the tool may be shared with Microsoft based on individual privacy configurations. The company also stated that screenshots require biometric login for access, and sensitive data like credit card information will not be captured by default. Recall is exclusively available on the CoPilot+ series of custom laptops equipped with advanced inbuilt AI chips. Professor Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert at Surrey University, remarked that the new security measures represent a substantial advancement. He emphasized that before any functionality like Recall is activated, the security and privacy features need thorough testing. Nonetheless, he expressed reluctance in using it, stating, “Personally, I would not opt-in until this has been tested in the wild for some time. ”