Posted on 04/14/2025 2:50:25 AM PDT by george76
Microsoft has begun the rollout of an AI-powered tool which takes snapshots of users' screens every few seconds.
The Copilot+ Recall feature is available in preview mode to some people with Microsoft's AI PCs and laptops.
It is the relaunch of a feature which was dubbed a "privacy nightmare" when it was first announced last year.
Microsoft paused the rollout 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.
...
Microsoft says Recall will be rolled out worldwide, but those based in the EU will have to wait until later in 2025.
Users will opt in to the feature and Microsoft says they can "can pause saving snapshots at any time".
The purpose of Recall is to allow PC users to easily search through their past activity including files, photos, emails and browsing history.
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.
Still a nightmare?
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.
"Information about other people, who cannot consent, will be captured and processed through Recall," he said.
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.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
No. No. No.
“The purpose of Recall is to allow PC users to easily search through their past activity including files, photos, emails and browsing history.
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.”
Did anyone even request this “convenience”? No... In Microsoft’s arrogance “they” wanted it and because windows always belongs to them they are imposing it on their servants against their will. I would want more than a pause button, I would want a remove app button.
Do they think we are stupid? That it is just for convenience? They are gathering evidence that will be used against you in a court of law in the near future. Your internet history will find you guilty or innocent based on credibility. Trump is not going to be there forever and the communists will be back in full force.
Aside from the fact that if you think windows is slow now, wait until this fires up and starts sucking resources.
Microsucks breaks things lately. Lots of things.
There is always the option of becoming a hermit. With all the “privacy” notices these days my sense is that the opposite is true.
You can bet that Britain will, as with iCloud, require access to everyone’s recall to assure that their thoughts are not forbidden.
Five Eyes needs something to stare at.
Guess more of us will move completely to Linux.
I disable everything on MS including camera and microphone. I take control over “trusted installer” and delete or remove a lot of useless crap..co-piole included.
typewriters are looking good about now
There is already a history feature that will do the same thing. Not needed, and is an opportunity to spy on the masses by government.
This seems like a convenient way for them to spy, but they have had this information since NSA started capturing everything. So is it really any more of a threat? Or does this just make it easier for them to “save” the information?
Fortunately, Linux has no such nonsense, and probably won't for the remainder of my lifetime. (BTW, I'm typing this on an $80 Chromebook on which I installed Linux Mint. I'm quite pleased.)
Isn’t that how Browser History is supposed to be used?
I’m already doing that. I don’t need a snapshot of my screen on top of that, gobbling up bytes.
[[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.”]]
Yeah because the browser ‘history’ feature just isn’t spy-ey enough i guess-
Linux is great for internet browsing, but can it run complex programs designed for windows?
Did anyone even request this “convenience”? No...
I'll bet it was Klinger !!!
What dumbass wrote that statement for microsoft?
Better, who would ever believe such tripe???
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