Microsoft has responded to mounting criticism over its upcoming AI-powered tool, Recall, which faced backlash for privacy concerns after its initial unveiling in May 2024. The tool, designed to take regular screenshots of users’ online activity, was branded a potential “privacy nightmare” by critics, leading to a delay in its release.
Recall is not going anywhere
The tech giant has now announced plans to relaunch Recall in November on its new CoPilot+ computers, promising significant changes. In response to the outcry, Microsoft has made key adjustments, including making the tool opt-in, as opposed to the original version which was enabled by default. The company stated that it had “listened to feedback” and acted accordingly.
The controversy surrounding Recall had prompted the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to step in and question Microsoft over potential data protection issues. The ICO has since acknowledged the changes, stating that a “series of changes” had been made, though it will continue to monitor developments as the product approaches launch.
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When Recall was first introduced at a Microsoft developer conference, the company hailed it as a breakthrough in personal productivity, offering users the ability to access any file, photo, email, or browsing history they had ever encountered on their PC. Microsoft likened the tool’s capabilities to having a “photographic memory” for digital activity.
While the company’s goal is to enhance user efficiency through AI-driven recall of past activities, the initial privacy concerns led to fears about intrusive data collection and surveillance. With its updated version, Microsoft hopes to balance user control with the promised benefits of the tool, though concerns from privacy advocates remain.
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