Microsoft’s much-anticipated Recall tool has finally made its debut, but for now, users can easily sidestep its reach. If you don’t own a Copilot+ PC, Recall remains out of sight. Even for those equipped with compatible devices, disabling Recall is a straightforward process. However, the landscape may soon shift. With the substantial investment in the Copilot LLM and significant workforce reductions, there are whispers that these AI tools might evolve from optional features to integral components of Windows, potentially limiting user control over their functionality.
For those concerned about future privacy implications, exploring alternatives like Linux may be wise. Yet, if sticking with Windows is a necessity, several applications have emerged to counter Recall’s intrusive nature, offering tools designed to shield user activity from its gaze.
3 Signal
Using Recall’s own systems against it
Signal, a messaging app renowned for its commitment to privacy, has taken a stand against Recall’s data collection methods. Recall operates by capturing screenshots of users’ desktops and employing OCR technology to extract and store text for future reference. This poses a direct conflict with Signal’s core mission of safeguarding user conversations.
Fortunately, Signal’s developers devised an ingenious workaround. In a blog post titled “By Default, Signal Doesn’t Recall,” they explained how enabling screen security prevents Recall from capturing any content. By leveraging Microsoft’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) protocols, Signal ensures that its windows remain blank when Recall attempts to take a screenshot. While this may hinder users from capturing images of their conversations, it effectively protects sensitive information from being stored by Recall.
2 Brave Browser
Taking inspiration from Signal
Inspired by Signal’s approach, Brave has implemented a similar strategy within its browser. However, Brave’s solution is particularly clever. Instead of relying solely on DRM, which restricts screenshot capabilities, Brave has found a way to label every browser window as a private browsing session. This clever maneuver means that Recall cannot access any Brave window, regardless of whether the user is in private mode, while still allowing for screenshots.
Brave proudly claims to be the first major browser to adopt this innovative feature, setting itself apart in the competitive landscape of web browsers. For those interested in the technical details, Brave has published a comprehensive blog post outlining the technology behind this development.
1 AdGuard
The nuclear option
For users who wish to ensure that Recall does not intrude on their data at all, AdGuard presents a robust solution. Originally designed to block ads and tracking tools, AdGuard has recently updated its functionality to specifically target Recall. While it may seem redundant to have a toggle for a feature that already has one, this additional layer of protection offers peace of mind against potential changes in Microsoft’s policy regarding Recall.
AdGuard has published a detailed guide on how to activate this feature, empowering users to take control of their data privacy. While disabling Recall through Windows settings is an option, the uncertainty surrounding Microsoft’s long-term commitment to user choice makes third-party solutions increasingly appealing.
Keep Recall off your data
As the digital landscape evolves, ensuring that Recall remains off-limits to personal data is paramount. With these applications at your disposal, users can navigate the complexities of privacy in a world where technology continues to advance at a rapid pace.
