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Android's Advanced Protection Mode now targets your favorite customization, automation apps
AppWizard
February 13, 2026

Android’s Advanced Protection Mode now targets your favorite customization, automation apps

Google is refining its Advanced Protection Mode to enhance security for high-risk individuals by implementing new restrictions on the AccessibilityService API. This API, while beneficial for users with disabilities, has been misused by various applications, leading to security vulnerabilities. Google now requires applications that assist users with disabilities to declare their status as Accessibility Tools by including the isAccessibilityTool attribute in their metadata. Recent updates in the Android Canary 2602 release allow Advanced Protection Mode to disable access to the Accessibility Service API for apps that do not qualify as Accessibility Tools, revoking any previously granted permissions. When enabled, Advanced Protection Mode restricts apps like dynamicSpot, which rely on the Accessibility Service API, while allowing classified Accessibility Tools to function normally. This change aims to improve security by treating non-Accessibility Tools as incompatible with a secure environment.
Signal Will Black Out Windows Recall Screenshots to Preserve Privacy
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.
Signal says no to Windows 11’s Recall screenshots
Winsage
May 22, 2025

Signal says no to Windows 11’s Recall screenshots

Signal has updated its Windows app to enhance user privacy by preventing Microsoft’s Recall feature from capturing screenshots of secure conversations. The new version activates screen security by default, using a digital rights management (DRM) approach similar to that of streaming services. Users can disable this feature in the app’s settings, but concerns have been raised about its impact on accessibility features like screen readers. Developer Joshua Lund has highlighted the need for app developers to access tools that protect sensitive information from OS-level AI systems. Microsoft’s Recall feature, designed to enhance productivity, currently lacks an API to exclude sensitive content from its archives, posing privacy risks. While Microsoft has measures to filter activities from private browser windows, users must have technical knowledge to adjust settings for specific applications. Signal continues to adapt to digital privacy challenges while advocating for better support from operating system developers.
Signal will block Microsoft Recall from snooping on your texts
Winsage
May 22, 2025

Signal will block Microsoft Recall from snooping on your texts

Encrypted messaging platform Signal is enhancing its Windows application with a feature called Screen Security, which prevents screenshots of messages while the app is in use. The application is flagged as protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), ensuring that DRM content cannot be recorded in screenshots on Windows devices. Screen Security is activated by default but can be disabled by users if needed. Signal hopes that AI developers will consider the implications of their innovations more thoughtfully. The Recall feature in Windows 11, which allows users to record everything displayed on their screens, has faced privacy and security concerns, and skepticism remains about its readiness for widespread adoption.
Signal's new Windows update prevents the system from capturing screenshots of chats
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.
Signal now blocks Microsoft Recall screenshots on Windows 11
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.
Signal signals discontent with Microsoft Recall
Winsage
May 22, 2025

Signal signals discontent with Microsoft Recall

Signal has activated Digital Rights Management (DRM) features within Windows to prevent Microsoft Recall from capturing screenshots of its chat windows. Recall has been criticized for its imprecise screenshot capturing, which affects sensitive communications. Signal's DRM solution ensures that Recall and other screenshot tools do not capture its content. The "Screen security" setting in Signal Desktop for Windows 11 is enabled by default, requiring users to confirm if they wish to disable it. Recall was initially criticized during its launch at Microsoft's 2024 Build event and has since been revised, remaining an opt-in feature with a "Preview" label. Microsoft claims users control what apps and websites are saved in snapshots.
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