Microsoft reverses decision to remove PC screenshot feature following public backlash

Microsoft is making changes to a controversial feature announced for its new range of PCs powered by artificial intelligence after it was flagged as a potential “privacy nightmare”.

The company initially introduced the “Recall” feature for Copilot+ as a way to make users’ lives easier by capturing and storing screenshots of their desktop activity. However, concerns were raised about the potential misuse of the tool by hackers.

In response to these concerns, Microsoft has decided to make the feature opt-in instead of automatically enabled. This decision comes after the UK’s data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), expressed interest in the tool and its implications for user privacy.

Pavan Davuluri, corporate vice president of Windows and devices at Microsoft, stated, “We have heard a clear signal that we can make it easier for people to choose to enable Recall on their Copilot+ PC and improve privacy and security safeguards.”

The Recall tool was prominently featured during the unveiling of Microsoft’s new PCs at its developer conference in May. The company is banking on artificial intelligence (AI) to drive demand for its devices, with executive vice president Yusuf Medhi highlighting the feature’s ability to access virtually anything a user has ever seen on their PC.

The updates to the Recall feature will be implemented before the launch of Copilot+ PCs on 18 June, giving users more control over their privacy and security settings.