Signal Blocks Microsoft Recall on Windows 11 by Default

By Netvora Tech News

Signal, a popular chat app, has taken a step to protect its users' privacy by blocking Microsoft Recall on Windows 11 by default. The new "Screen security" setting prevents the system from taking screenshots of conversations being conducted through Signal Desktop. According to Signal developer Joshua Lund, this is necessary to safeguard Signal messages from Microsoft Recall.

What is Microsoft Recall?

Microsoft Recall is a controversial AI-powered feature that continuously captures screenshots of users' screens. The screenshots are then analyzed and made searchable by AI. Microsoft describes it as a "photographic memory," while experts have labeled it a keylogger and privacy nightmare.

Initially, Recall was set to be enabled by default, but due to intense criticism, Microsoft decided to make it an opt-in feature and added additional security and privacy measures. One such measure is a filter that allows users to exclude websites and apps from Recall. However, security expert Kevin Beaumont has revealed that this filter is unreliable.

Signal's Concerns

Signal's concerns about Recall stem from the fact that it can capture sensitive information, including deleted messages and conversations. Beaumont noted that Signal's messages, as well as those from WhatsApp and Teams, are still being stored, even after being deleted.

As a result, Signal has chosen to enable an additional security layer on Windows 11 to maintain the security of Signal Desktop, even if it affects usability. This includes the use of screen readers and other accessibility software. Lund emphasized that Signal hopes AI teams developing software like Recall will think more carefully about the consequences of their work. He believes that apps like Signal should not resort to "sneaky tricks" to protect user privacy and integrity.

User Control

Users can opt out of the Screen Security feature if they wish. As Signal is an open-source app, developers can now use this feature as a template to protect their users from Windows.

"It's time for AI teams to think about the consequences of their actions and not force users to sacrifice accessibility for AI aspirations," said Lund.