Signal App Updates to Block Microsoft Recall Feature
BUCHAREST – May 9, 2024 – In a meaningful move for user privacy, the Signal app has updated its Windows application to block Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature. The update prevents screen capture, aiming to protect user data from being recorded without consent. This proactive measure is a testament to Signal’s E-E-A-T stance on user privacy, ensuring conversations adn sensitive information remain secure.
signal Updates Windows App to Block MicrosoftS recall Feature
Signal is escalating its stance on user privacy by updating its Windows application to actively prevent screen capture, directly countering Microsoft’s Recall feature [[2]], [[3]]. The messaging app’s move aims to safeguard user content from being inadvertently recorded.
“Screen Security” Enabled by Default
The updated Signal app now includes a screen security
setting enabled by default on windows 11 [[1]]. This feature is specifically designed to thwart Microsoft’s Recall, a tool that continuously captures screenshots to index user activity for later recall.
Did You Know?
Microsoft’s Recall feature, while intended to enhance user experience, raised notable privacy concerns due to its continuous screenshot capture.
Microsoft’s Recall: A Privacy Concern
Microsoft’s Recall feature,initially announced last year,aims to allow users to scroll back in time and review their past activities. The feature captures screenshots continuously. While Microsoft paused the rollout after initial backlash and later re-introduced it as an opt-in feature with the ability to pause, Signal maintains that it still poses a risk to sensitive content.
Signal’s Countermeasure: Blocking Screenshots
With the new screen security setting enabled, Signal users will encounter a blank screen when attempting to take a screenshot. This proactive measure ensures that sensitive conversations and information remain private.
Potential Limitations and User Control
Signal warns that enabling screen security might affect the functionality of certain tools, such as screen readers. Users have the option to disable the setting by navigating to Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security
.
Pro Tip
Be aware that disabling screen security may expose your Signal conversations to screen capture by other applications.
To prevent accidental disabling of the feature, the app displays a warning prompt requiring users to confirm their action before turning it off.
Signal’s Stance on Privacy
Signal expressed its concerns regarding the privacy implications of AI-driven systems like Recall.
We hope that the AI teams building systems like Recall will think through these implications more carefully in the future. Apps like Signal shouldn’t have to implement a “one weird trick” to maintain the privacy and integrity of their services without proper developer tools.
Signal in a blog post
The company’s actions underscore its commitment to user privacy and its proactive approach to addressing potential threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- what does Signal’s new update do?
It blocks screen captures to protect user privacy from features like Microsoft’s Recall.
- Is the screen security feature enabled by default?
Yes, it is enabled by default on Windows 11.
- Can I disable the screen security feature?
Yes, through Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security.
- Will this affect other apps?
Some functions, like screen readers, might not work as intended when screen security is enabled.
