privacy measures Archives

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Meta Expands Teen Safety Protections to Facebook and Messenger

Meta Platforms Inc. is implementing new safety and privacy measures for users under 16 on its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. These measures include prohibiting teens from hosting live videos without parental consent and banning the sharing of images with suspected nudity via direct messages. Additionally, Meta is introducing "Teen Accounts" on Facebook and Messenger, which will have stricter privacy settings, following a similar rollout on Instagram.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Signal, Telegram or WhatsApp: Which Encrypted Messaging App Should You Choose

Telegram, a cloud-based messaging platform, stores necessary operational data, including metadata such as IP addresses. In 2024, Telegram updated its privacy policy to comply with law enforcement requests for user data with valid legal documentation, leading to the fulfillment of 900 requests from U.S. authorities affecting 2,253 individuals. The platform has experienced data breaches, including a 2020 incident exposing data from approximately 42 million Iranian users and a 2019 vulnerability that allowed Chinese agencies to identify protestors in Hong Kong. Telegram features public channels without end-to-end encryption and offers secret chats with end-to-end encryption, limited to the device of origin. Automatic message deletion is available with a minimum interval of one day. While the client applications are open-source, the server-side code is closed-source, requiring user trust in the company to protect data. Metadata collection continues despite end-to-end encryption. Telegram operates on a freemium model, with basic features available for free and a paid tier for additional functionalities. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store at no charge.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft Is Ready to Try Again With Recall AI Feature That Screenshots Your Activity

Microsoft's Recall feature is being rolled out in preview mode to Windows Insiders using Copilot PCs powered by Snapdragon technology. The tool allows users to retrieve previously displayed content by searching for keywords, capturing screenshots throughout the day, and using AI for organization. The rollout faced delays due to privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to pause and review security measures. Users must opt in to save snapshots and enroll in Windows Hello for access, with the ability to control what is saved and pause saving at any time.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft thinks its controversial Recall feature is ready for some Windows 11 users to try out… install it if you dare

Microsoft has reintroduced the AI-powered Recall feature in Windows 11 with enhanced privacy measures after initially pausing its rollout due to user backlash over privacy concerns. The feature is included in Build 26100.3902 (KB5055627) and is being distributed to select Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Users must opt-in to save snapshots of their activity and enroll in Windows Hello for access. Recall allows users to search for apps, websites, images, or documents by describing their content. Users can control which snapshots are saved and can pause this feature at any time.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft’s AI “Recall” Feature Caught Screenshotting Your Social Security Number

Microsoft's AI-powered "Recall" tool captures sensitive information, including credit card numbers and social security numbers, despite a new "filter sensitive information" feature intended to prevent this. Tests by Avram Piltch revealed that the filter fails to recognize sensitive data in various contexts, such as when entering information in Windows Notepad or filling out loan applications in Microsoft Edge. Initially launched as part of Microsoft's "Copilot+ PCs," Recall faced backlash over privacy risks and was temporarily withdrawn. It has since returned for select Insiders with encrypted screenshots, but concerns about its effectiveness in protecting sensitive information remain.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

You Can Now Test ‘Recall,’ Windows’ Controversial AI Feature

The Recall feature in Windows allows users to revisit their digital history by accessing past documents, photos, and webpages through captured screenshots processed by Copilot AI. Users can opt-in during installation and manage settings related to snapshot retention and storage limits. A sensitive information filter prevents the storage of critical data, and users can exclude specific apps and websites. Recall requires identity verification and encrypts all captured information locally. The interface allows users to search through snapshots using natural language and offers options to delete, transfer, or extract content from them. Recall is currently in a preview phase, with ongoing discussions about its privacy and security measures.