Signal, a privacy-focused messaging app, is taking a firm stance against Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature by defaulting a ‘Screen security’ setting on Windows 11. This setting blocks Recall’s AI-powered screenshot tool from capturing private chats. Recall, which was initially unveiled a year ago as part of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC initiative, was pulled due to intense backlash over its invasive data collection practices. However, it is now making a comeback, prompting Signal to act swiftly with its DRM-based countermeasure.
Microsoft’s Recall feature, first introduced as part of its Copilot+ PC push, was designed to take frequent screenshots of a user’s computer activity, creating a searchable timeline of their interactions. While Microsoft framed the feature as a memory aid, critics and security experts raised alarms over its potential for privacy violations and data misuse. The backlash was so severe that Microsoft temporarily halted the feature’s launch. Despite these concerns, Recall is now resurfacing, possibly due to ongoing pressure from users and regulatory bodies.
Signal’s response to Recall’s return is a significant move in the privacy technology landscape. By activating a Windows 13-specific DRM flag, Signal ensures that its chat windows are rendered black when a screenshot is attempted, effectively blocking Recall from capturing any private messages. This action underscores Signal’s commitment to user privacy and highlights the growing tensions between tech companies and privacy advocates. The broader implications of this clash between privacy-focused apps and data collection technologies are yet to be fully realized, but the industry is watching closely.