The privacy-conscious Signal messaging service is taking proactive measures against the recently reintroduced Windows Recall, an AI-driven feature from Microsoft that captures screenshots of users’ activities on their computers at regular intervals, creating a so-called “photographic memory” for the system—something many users did not request.
In a recent blog post, Signal unveiled its new “screen security” feature for the Windows 11 application. This innovative addition ensures that any attempts by Recall to capture screenshots will result in a black screen, akin to the restrictions imposed by digital rights management (DRM) on platforms like Netflix. This move comes after Microsoft had previously withdrawn Recall from new Copilot Plus PCs due to significant backlash regarding security and privacy concerns, a situation that has persisted as the company continues to refine the feature. Notably, neither Signal nor Microsoft provided comments regarding this development.
Signal’s not waiting for Recall to evolve
While Signal’s new security feature is a commendable step forward, it does come with certain limitations. The blog post highlights that there may be occasions where taking a screenshot is essential, and some accessibility tools, such as screen readers, might experience compatibility issues as a result. Fortunately, users can easily disable the feature if needed, though doing so requires confirmation, thereby minimizing the risk of accidental deactivation. It’s important to note that this “screen security” feature only protects the local machine where it is activated, meaning it does not prevent other participants in a conversation from taking screenshots.
Signal emphasized that Recall lacks built-in controls for app developers to effectively safeguard user privacy, leading them to conclude that blocking screenshots through a DRM-like mechanism was the most viable option available.
A call(out) to OS vendors
The blog post further elaborates on the necessity for applications like Signal to prioritize user privacy by default and underscores the responsibility of operating system developers in this regard. It specifically pointed out the emergence of agentic AI software, advocating for the need to empower app developers with the ability to restrict OS-level AI from accessing sensitive user information.
Signal’s post asserts, “It’s ultimately up to companies like Microsoft to ensure that their platforms remain a suitable foundation for privacy-preserving applications like Signal. If that ever stops being the case, we’ll have to stop supporting those platforms.” CNET’s PC expert, Matt Elliot, commented on the current status of Recall, noting that while Microsoft has made strides since last year’s problematic launch, the fact that Signal has to resort to unconventional measures like using DRM as a privacy workaround indicates a pressing need for Microsoft to enhance developer controls over what Recall can capture.
The new Screen Security feature is currently being rolled out and is enabled by default for users operating on Windows 11.
Signal Will Black Out Windows Recall Screenshots to Preserve Privacy
The privacy-conscious Signal messaging service is taking proactive measures against the recently reintroduced Windows Recall, an AI-driven feature from Microsoft that captures screenshots of users’ activities on their computers at regular intervals, creating a so-called “photographic memory” for the system—something many users did not request.
In a recent blog post, Signal unveiled its new “screen security” feature for the Windows 11 application. This innovative addition ensures that any attempts by Recall to capture screenshots will result in a black screen, akin to the restrictions imposed by digital rights management (DRM) on platforms like Netflix. This move comes after Microsoft had previously withdrawn Recall from new Copilot Plus PCs due to significant backlash regarding security and privacy concerns, a situation that has persisted as the company continues to refine the feature. Notably, neither Signal nor Microsoft provided comments regarding this development.
Signal’s not waiting for Recall to evolve
While Signal’s new security feature is a commendable step forward, it does come with certain limitations. The blog post highlights that there may be occasions where taking a screenshot is essential, and some accessibility tools, such as screen readers, might experience compatibility issues as a result. Fortunately, users can easily disable the feature if needed, though doing so requires confirmation, thereby minimizing the risk of accidental deactivation. It’s important to note that this “screen security” feature only protects the local machine where it is activated, meaning it does not prevent other participants in a conversation from taking screenshots.
Signal emphasized that Recall lacks built-in controls for app developers to effectively safeguard user privacy, leading them to conclude that blocking screenshots through a DRM-like mechanism was the most viable option available.
A call(out) to OS vendors
The blog post further elaborates on the necessity for applications like Signal to prioritize user privacy by default and underscores the responsibility of operating system developers in this regard. It specifically pointed out the emergence of agentic AI software, advocating for the need to empower app developers with the ability to restrict OS-level AI from accessing sensitive user information.
Signal’s post asserts, “It’s ultimately up to companies like Microsoft to ensure that their platforms remain a suitable foundation for privacy-preserving applications like Signal. If that ever stops being the case, we’ll have to stop supporting those platforms.” CNET’s PC expert, Matt Elliot, commented on the current status of Recall, noting that while Microsoft has made strides since last year’s problematic launch, the fact that Signal has to resort to unconventional measures like using DRM as a privacy workaround indicates a pressing need for Microsoft to enhance developer controls over what Recall can capture.
The new Screen Security feature is currently being rolled out and is enabled by default for users operating on Windows 11.