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Microsoft has begun the rollout of an AI-powered tool which takes snapshots of users’ screens every few seconds.<\/p>\n
The Copilot+ Recall feature is available in preview mode to some people with Microsoft’s AI PCs and laptops.<\/p>\n
It is the relaunch of a feature which was dubbed a “privacy nightmare<\/a>” when it was first announced last year. <\/p>\n Microsoft paused the rollout<\/a> in 2024, and after trialling the tech with a small number of users, it has begun expanding access to those signed up to its Windows Insider software testing programme.<\/p>\n The BBC has approached Microsoft for comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Microsoft says Recall will be rolled out worldwide, but those based in the EU will have to wait until later in 2025.<\/p>\n Users will opt in to the feature and Microsoft says they can “can pause saving snapshots at any time”. <\/p>\n The purpose of Recall is to allow PC users to easily search through their past activity including files, photos, emails and browsing history.<\/p>\n For example, Microsoft says a person who saw a dress online a few days ago would be able to use the feature to easily locate where they saw it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Privacy campaigner Dr Kris Shrishak – who previously called Recall a “privacy nightmare” – said the opt-in mechanism is “an improvement”, but felt it could still be misused. <\/p>\n “Information about other people, who cannot consent, will be captured and processed through Recall,” he said. <\/p>\n The feature is able to save images of your emails and messaging apps such as WhatsApp – meaning pictures and messages from others will be saved.<\/p>\n This is no different to a user taking a screenshot themselves when they receive a message.<\/p>\n “Think of disappearing messages on Signal that is stored on Recall forever,” he said.<\/p>\n And he said he was concerned that malicious actors could exploit the images saved by Recall if they gained login access to a device.<\/p>\n