Computer Privacy

- Microsoft has infused Windows 11 with a Recall feature as part of its Copilot+ initiative to offer AI-enhanced navigation capabilities. - The Recall feature allows the AI to recount a user's past activities for seamless retrieval of previous tasks and documents. - Concerns have been raised about user privacy due to the Recall feature storing desktop screenshots periodically on the device. - Users have the autonomy to disable the Recall feature if they have privacy concerns. - Users can consider switching to other operating systems like macOS or Linux that prioritize data security differently if they are wary of potential data security issues. - The Recall feature periodically takes desktop screenshots and saves them onto the local drive with a set expiration period for assisting users in retracing their steps on the computer. - Storing months' worth of screenshots could potentially reveal personal or business-related information if accessed by unauthorized parties. - Trust in Microsoft is critical as users must believe that the company will not access the stored screenshots. - Users concerned about privacy can disable the Recall feature in Windows settings or consider migrating to alternative operating systems like macOS or Linux. - Windows 24H2 update is expected to offer a toggle to disable Recall for those who trust Microsoft to honor their privacy settings. - The Recall feature could potentially function on non-Copilot+ PCs without an NPU, prompting some users to consider switching to other operating systems. - Some users might consider transitioning to macOS or Linux due to privacy concerns related to the Recall feature.