privacy concerns Archives

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Messaging app Signal will block Windows Recall from taking chat screenshots

Signal has introduced a "Screen Security" feature in its desktop application to prevent external programs, including Windows 11, from capturing screenshots of its interface. This feature is enabled by default and is a response to Microsoft's Recall feature, which captures app window screenshots for AI processing. Signal is concerned about the privacy risks posed by Recall's design, despite Microsoft's assurances of improved privacy controls. The developers have used Windows' Digital Rights Management technology to protect against unauthorized screenshots due to the lack of official APIs from Windows 11. Signal's leadership has criticized the need for such workarounds and has called on Microsoft to provide better tools for developers to safeguard user privacy.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

In an embarrassment for Microsoft, SteamOS seems to destroy Windows 11 on gaming performance and battery life, as well as usability

Early comparisons between SteamOS and Windows 11 on identical hardware show that SteamOS offers significantly better gaming performance, particularly in battery life. The Lenovo Legion Go S, when running SteamOS, provides over six hours of gameplay on 2D games like Dead Cells, while the Windows version only achieves 2.75 hours. Despite Windows 11's compatibility with various gaming platforms, it has faced criticism for performance issues and unnecessary features. Windows holds a dominant market share of about 70% in desktop operating systems, but the rise of SteamOS may challenge this position.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Signal blasts Microsoft over Recall privacy failings, as secure messaging app is forced to fudge a way of blocking the controversial Windows 11 feature

Signal has introduced a new feature in its Windows 11 application that blocks Microsoft's Recall functionality to enhance user privacy. This 'screen security' setting is activated by default for Windows 11 users and is part of Signal's efforts to protect shared content on its platform. Recall captures screenshots of user activity on Copilot+ PCs, which raised privacy concerns. While Microsoft has improved Recall, issues with its interaction with privacy-focused applications like Signal remain. The feature is specifically applicable to users with Copilot+ PCs equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Users can disable the screen security setting through Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security, with a warning about the privacy implications of doing so.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Signal Will Black Out Windows Recall Screenshots to Preserve Privacy

Signal has introduced a "screen security" feature for its Windows 11 application to counter Microsoft's Windows Recall, an AI feature that captures screenshots of user activities. This new feature ensures that any attempts by Recall to take screenshots will result in a black screen. Signal's blog post notes that while the feature enhances privacy, it may cause compatibility issues with some accessibility tools, and users can disable it if necessary. The feature only protects the local machine and does not prevent other conversation participants from taking screenshots. Signal criticized Recall for lacking built-in privacy controls for app developers and emphasized the need for operating system developers to prioritize user privacy. The screen security feature is being rolled out and is enabled by default for Windows 11 users.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Signal resorts to “weird trick” to block Windows Recall in Desktop app

Microsoft's Recall feature indexes a wide range of personal data, including Zoom meetings, emails, photos, medical conditions, and conversations on Signal, affecting both users and their contacts without consent. Researcher Kevin Beaumont found that the feature captures sensitive information like payment card details and can decrypt its database using a fingerprint scan or PIN. Developers, such as those at Signal, lack tools to prevent their content from being indexed by Recall, leading Signal to utilize a Digital Rights Management API to protect privacy. This workaround may help, but it depends on all chat participants using the Windows Desktop version with default settings. Microsoft has not addressed concerns regarding developer control over Recall.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal’s new Windows update prevents the system from capturing screenshots of chats

Signal has updated its Windows application to enhance user privacy by introducing a feature called "screen security," which prevents screenshots on Windows 11. This update responds to privacy concerns raised by Microsoft's Recall functionality, which captures screenshots for user activity tracking. Although Microsoft paused Recall due to public backlash, it resumed testing the feature as opt-in. With screen security enabled, users will see a blank screen when attempting to take a screenshot, but this may affect functionalities like screen readers. Users can disable this feature in Signal Settings, but will receive a warning before confirming the change. Signal hopes that developers will consider privacy implications more thoughtfully in the future.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal now blocks Microsoft Recall screenshots on Windows 11

Signal has introduced a "screen security" feature in its Windows application to enhance user privacy by preventing Microsoft's AI-driven Recall functionality from capturing content displayed within the app. This feature is active by default on all Windows 11 devices and sets a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag on Signal's app windows. Recall, launched in May 2024, captures screenshots of active windows and has raised privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to make it optional and implement various security enhancements. Users can disable Signal's screen security but will be warned about potential privacy risks. Signal's developer, Joshua Lund, highlighted ongoing concerns regarding privacy in applications like Signal and called for a balance between privacy and accessibility in AI technologies.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Google’s ML Kit GenAI APIs with Gemini Nano: On-Device AI for Privacy-Preserving Android Apps

Google announced on May 14, 2025, the expansion of its ML Kit offerings with new GenAI APIs powered by the Gemini Nano model, aimed at providing Android developers with access to advanced AI features while ensuring user privacy through on-device processing. The ML Kit GenAI APIs include four key capabilities: summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description. These APIs process data locally, keeping user data on the device, ensuring consistent functionality without internet connectivity, and avoiding recurring server costs. This development enhances the accessibility of sophisticated AI capabilities for Android developers and aligns with consumer privacy concerns. The architecture allows for future expansion of capabilities as Gemini models evolve.

Tech Optimizer

May 17, 2025

Do You Really Need Antivirus on Windows 11? Probably Not—Here’s Why

Windows 11 has robust built-in security features that may reduce the need for third-party antivirus software. Windows Security now offers comprehensive protection, including real-time malware detection, firewall protection, SmartScreen alerts, hardware-level security, account monitoring, and system health reports. According to AV-TEST results from January and February 2025, Microsoft Defender Antivirus scored 6.0/6.0 in protection, performance, and usability, effectively stopping advanced malware and phishing attempts with minimal system resource usage. Users of Microsoft Edge benefit from SmartScreen filtering, while those using other browsers receive system notifications for network protection. Basic digital hygiene practices, such as avoiding suspicious downloads and keeping software updated, are crucial for security. Third-party antivirus solutions may offer additional features but can lead to performance issues and privacy concerns. For casual users who maintain their systems and practice safe browsing, Windows Security is generally sufficient, while those handling sensitive information or needing advanced features may consider premium antivirus options.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Why KakaoTalk’s typing indicator is getting on some Koreans’ nerves

KakaoTalk introduced a beta feature called a typing indicator, which displays a three-dot animation when someone is composing a message. This feature has received mixed reactions from users, with many expressing discomfort about sharing their typing status, comparing it to formal communication tools. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction online, with some questioning the necessity of this update and expressing concerns about the platform evolving into one similar to workplace messaging applications. KakaoTalk allows users to disable the typing indicator in the Settings under the Kakao Lab section. Additionally, Kakao Lab includes other features like AI tools for summarizing chat conversations.