Signal has announced an update to its Windows application aimed at enhancing user privacy by preventing the system from capturing screenshots. This new feature, termed “screen security,” is automatically enabled for users operating on Windows 11.
Enhancing User Privacy
The introduction of this feature comes in response to Microsoft’s Recall functionality, which was unveiled last year. Recall continuously captures screenshots to allow users to revisit their previous activities. However, this capability raised significant privacy concerns, prompting Signal to take action.
Although Microsoft paused the rollout of Recall following public backlash, it resumed testing the feature in April through the Windows Preview Channel. The company has since made the feature opt-in, providing users with the option to pause it at any time. Nevertheless, Signal emphasizes that sensitive content may still be captured, raising ongoing privacy issues.
With the new screen security setting activated, users attempting to take a screenshot will encounter a blank screen, effectively safeguarding their displayed content. However, Signal cautions that enabling this setting may interfere with certain functionalities, such as screen readers, which could hinder accessibility for some users.
Users can disable the screen security feature by navigating to Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security. Upon attempting to turn off this option, the app will prompt a warning, requiring users to confirm their decision. This precaution aims to prevent accidental deactivation while adjusting other settings.
In a recent blog post, Signal expressed hope that developers behind systems like Recall will consider the implications of their features more thoughtfully in the future. The company stated, “Apps like Signal shouldn’t have to implement a ‘one weird trick’ in order to maintain the privacy and integrity of their services without proper developer tools.”
