Microsoft Recall raises privacy alarm again

Fresh concerns are mounting over privacy risks after Microsoft confirmed the return of its controversial Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs. Recall takes continuous screenshots of everything on a Windows user’s screen and stores it in a searchable database powered by AI.

Although screenshots are saved locally and protected by a PIN, experts warn the system undermines the security of encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Signal by storing anything shown on screen, even if it was meant to disappear.

Critics argue that even users who have not enabled Recall could have their private messages captured if someone they are chatting with has the feature switched on.

Cybersecurity experts have already demonstrated that guessing the PIN gives full access to all screen content—deleted or not—including sensitive conversations, images, and passwords.

With no automatic warning or opt-out for people being recorded, concerns are growing that secure communication is being eroded by stealth.

At the same time, Meta has revealed new AI tools for WhatsApp that can summarise chats and suggest replies. Although the company insists its ‘Private Processing’ feature will ensure security, experts are questioning why secure messaging platforms need AI integrations at all.

Even if WhatsApp’s AI remains private, Microsoft Recall could still quietly record and store messages, creating a privacy paradox that many users may not fully understand.

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