Microsoft to Discontinue AI Tool Recall Due to Privacy Concerns
Microsoft announced on Thursday in their blog that starting next week, with the release of the new Copilot+ computer, they will stop delivering a tool of artificial intelligence called Recall, which tracks users’ activity, due to concerns about privacy and security.
The company stated that Recall will transform from a «broad-access» tool to a preview feature, only available through the Windows Insiders Program (WIP), when the new computer hits the market on June 18. After gathering feedback through WIP, Microsoft plans to make this artificial intelligence feature available on all Copilot+ PCs.
«This decision is based on our commitment to provide a trusted, secure, and reliable experience for all customers,» wrote Windows Corporation Vice President Pavan Davuluri in his blog.
Microsoft first introduced the Copilot+ PC on May 20 as a computer designed to run complex artificial intelligence programs, including Recall. Recall is an artificial intelligence tool that regularly takes screen captures to create a record of activity, allowing users to search for their previous actions.
The announcement of Recall sparked controversy shortly after its announcement. Industry experts expressed outrage over the possibility of malicious actors developing tools to obtain users’ information, including usernames and passwords.
In response to the criticism, Microsoft initially announced that the Recall feature would be disabled by default, requiring users to activate it. The company also implemented additional security measures, including an encrypted database for searching and a requirement for users to include Recall in the Windows Hello system, which confirms identity through a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
