Microsoft has announced a delay in the rollout of its new Recall feature, originally set to launch with the Copilot Plus PCs next week. The feature, which takes screenshots of user activity on these new laptops, will now undergo further testing within the Windows Insider program. This decision follows Microsoft’s initial promise to release Recall as an opt-in feature with enhanced security measures.
In an updated blog post, Microsoft stated, “We are adjusting the release model for Recall to leverage the expertise of the Windows Insider community to ensure the experience meets our high standards for quality and security. When Recall (preview) becomes available in the Windows Insider Program, we will publish a blog post with details on how to get the preview.”
Recall’s Initial Exclusion
The delay means that neither Windows Insiders nor purchasers of the Copilot Plus PCs will have access to Recall at launch. Reports indicate that Microsoft’s engineers have been working intensively to implement and test the necessary security improvements by the original June 18th release date. This postponement reflects Microsoft’s acknowledgment of the need for more time to ensure Recall’s security enhancements are thoroughly tested.
Concerns and Commitments
Unveiled last month as part of the upcoming Copilot Plus PCs, Recall has faced significant criticism from privacy advocates and security experts. Concerns have been raised that without proper safeguards, Recall could pose serious cybersecurity risks. In response, Microsoft committed to several key updates to the feature, including:
- Making Recall an opt-in experience rather than the default setting.
- Encrypting the database where screenshots are stored.
- Authenticating access through Windows Hello.
Recall employs local AI models within Windows 11 to capture screenshots of user activity, allowing users to search and retrieve past interactions through an explorable timeline. Importantly, all data is intended to remain local and private, with no information used to train Microsoft’s AI models.
Emphasis on Security
The delay in Recall’s release follows Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith’s testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee. Smith emphasized that security is Microsoft’s top priority, surpassing even the company’s AI advancements, as part of the Secure Future Initiative (SFI). He also announced that cybersecurity will now be a mandatory component of the bi-annual review process for all Microsoft employees, impacting their annual bonuses and compensation.
Smith explained that Recall was developed before the SFI overhaul and without public testing through the Windows Insider program. Recognizing security vulnerabilities, Microsoft has been developing and testing updates in recent months to address these issues. The additional time will help ensure that Recall adheres to Microsoft’s commitment to prioritize security above all else.
