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UK Watchdog Investigates Microsoft AI's Screenshot Feature
The UK's data watchdog, the ICO, is investigating Microsoft's Recall feature. Recall takes screenshots of users' laptops every few seconds. Privacy campaigners have raised concerns about the potential privacy implications.
This feature has the ability to take screenshots of users' laptops every few seconds. The ICO is reaching out to Microsoft to gather more information about the safety and privacy implications of this feature, which has raised concerns among privacy campaigners.
Recall is said to be exclusive to Microsoft's upcoming Copilot+ PCs and will store encrypted snapshots locally on the user's computer. Microsoft has stated that Recall is an optional feature and that they are committed to privacy and security. Users can limit the snapshots that Recall gathers, and the data is saved locally and cannot be accessed by Microsoft or anybody without device access.
However, the ICO spokesman emphasised the necessity of enterprises thoroughly examining and reducing threats to consumers' rights and freedoms before to releasing new goods. They have shown a desire to understand the protections in place to preserve user privacy.
Privacy experts have expressed alarm about the potential consequences of Recall. Dr. Kris Shrishak, an AI and privacy expert, has branded the function as a "privacy nightmare." The constant taking of screenshots during device use could have a chilling effect on people. Users may be hesitant to visit specific websites or access sensitive documents if they know screenshots are being taken every few seconds.
Daniel Tozer, a data and privacy expert at Keystone Law, has highlighted connections between Recall and the dystopian television series Black Mirror. He concerns the legal foundation for capturing and re-displaying users' personal information, as well as the problem of consent for persons who appear on screen during video conversations or pictures.
Jen Caltrider, who leads Mozilla's privacy team, has expressed alarm about the possibility of someone knowing a user's password accessing their history. She discusses the possibilities of law enforcement court orders or Microsoft exploiting the content for targeted advertising or AI training in the future. Microsoft has stated that Recall will not censor or remove information from screenshots that include passwords or bank account details.
The UK's data watchdog, the ICO, is investigating Microsoft's Recall feature
Recall takes screenshots of users' laptops every few seconds
Privacy campaigners have raised concerns about the potential privacy implications
Source: BBC