From Bad to Worse: How Windows ‘Recall’ Is a Privacy Nightmare
We all knew Microsoft was bad for privacy but Windows ‘Recall’ feature takes privacy invasion to new heights!
We thought we knew privacy risks, then came Windows ‘Recall’. In news rocking the tech world, Microsoft has announced the introduction of “Recall,” an artificial intelligence (AI) feature being built into their new Windows Copilot PCs that takes screenshots of your active screen every few seconds and uses AI to analyze them. This feature, set to roll out initially on Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, has significant implications for user privacy and security.
If you use a Windows computer, which equates to 70% of all computer users, now is the time to consider joining the many others now switching to Linux.
What is Windows Recall?
Windows Recall is an AI-driven feature that captures and analyzes screenshots of your desktop every few seconds. The AI model extracts information from these screenshots and adds it to a new Windows semantic index, enabling users to search for information using natural language queries. For instance, if you are trying to recall a specific webpage or document, Recall can bring up relevant snapshots containing that information.
Serious privacy Concerns!
One of the primary concerns with Recall is its potential to infringe on user privacy. Despite Microsoft’s assurances that all data is stored locally and encrypted with Bitlocker, there are significant risks. For example, if a threat actor gains access to your device, they could potentially access this data, exposing sensitive information like passwords and private documents.
And guess what?? Things may not be as straightforward as they appear. Although Microsoft make these ‘encrypted with Bitlocker’ claims, it seems that the data it retains on your device completely lacks robust security measures. Security expert Kevin Beaumont has detailed his discoveries on Windows Recall, uncovering that the tool stores its data in an unencrypted SQLite database!
Additionally, Recall captures everything visible on your screen, including credentials, banking information, and other confidential data. Although the claim is that it excludes Microsoft Edge’s InPrivate sessions and DRM-protected content, other browsers and applications are not immune unless explicitly filtered by the user. And who on earth using MS Edge anyway??
Legal and Security Implications
The introduction of Recall has prompted immediate scrutiny from privacy advocates and regulatory bodies. In the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office has launched an investigation to understand the safeguards in place to protect user privacy. The lack of comprehensive documentation and transparency from Microsoft on how third-party browsers can protect user data only adds to the concerns.
Alternatives? LINUX to the rescue!
Now, more than ever, it’s imperative to consider a move to technology that respects your privacy. Linux, a free and open-source operating system that is an excellent alternative to Windows. Here are some compelling reasons to make the switch:
- Privacy and Security: Linux does not engage in invasive data collection practices. You have full control over your data and what happens on your machine.
- Ease of Use: Modern Linux distributions have a user-friendly interface, Linux mint in particular feels very familiar to Windows users as the operating system is very similar. While there might be a learning curve, especially in unhooking from Windows/Apple muscle memory, it’s generally easy to adapt.
- Wide Range of Applications: Linux supports a wide range of applications, including full office suites, media players, and messaging apps, all without background data abuse.
- Total Control: With Linux, you’re in complete control of updates and system changes, ensuring your device’s performance remains optimal.
- Resilient Against Viruses: Linux systems are inherently more secure and less prone to viruses compared to Windows.
- Long Device Life: Linux does not force hardware obsolescence through mandatory updates, ensuring your device remains usable for a longer period.
Making the Switch
Microsoft’s ‘Recall’ feature is a step too far in digital surveillance! If you also believe now is the time to switch, consider a swap-out of your laptop/desktop and smartphone and get ahead of the incoming AI powered privacy invasion. Many resources are available online to help with the transition, including detailed guides and community support.
Let us help you make the switch. At Incognito, our mission is to empower individuals to take control of their data privacy. To help with the transition our store provides wide range of Privacy-focused Linux Laptops, Privacy phones and Tablets.
Our devices all come with comprehensive PDF guides too, written without techy jargon, to ensure an easy transition.
Join the movement to protect your privacy and say “NO” to intrusive data practices today.
Sources:
BleepingComputer
Enterprise Technology News and Analysis
pcgamer
WindowsCentral
