Microsoft is rolling out an updated version of an AI-powered feature that automatically captures and stores snapshots of user activity after privacy and safety concerns led to its suspension last year.
First launched in May 2024, Recall is a CoPilot+ feature designed to help users retrace their steps on their PC by automatically capturing and storing snapshots of their activities.
Recall uses AI to provide more accurate and intuitive search functions, with users able to describe and find the specific content they are looking for.
According to Microsoft, the feature enable users to store information for later searches and revisit websites, apps, documents or images they have interacted with, using simple semantic searches.
Initially Microsoft did not make Recall an opt-in feature, meaning it was enabled by default, leading to concerns that users were not fully aware of the extent of the data being captured, with Microsoft discontinuing Recall as a result in June 2024.
Privacy advocates were concerned that the feature could capture and store sensitive information such as credit card and social security numbers, which could in turn be used by malicious actors.
Additionally, they warned that Recall could be exploited in domestic violence situations, where abusers could use the feature to monitor their victims.
The app for screenshots is now available again on the preview version of Windows 11 for PC with Copilot+, signalling a more cautious approach by Microsoft, which is gradually extending Recall to Windows Insider users, allowing for feedback before a wider release.
The new version introduces some privacy improvements, with Microsoft making Recall an optional feature, meaning that users must actively choose to enable it.
Users also need to register and pass the authentication test on Windows Hello for secure access.
Privacy campaigner Dr Kris Shrishak told the BBC that while the opt-in adjustment is “an improvement”, the feature could still be misused.
“Information about other people, who cannot consent, will be captured and processed through Recall,” he said.
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