Signal, the well-known messaging platform emphasizing user privacy, announced a new security feature on Wednesday aimed at countering the effects of Microsoft’s Recall feature. This newly introduced Screen Security function is designed to block devices from taking screenshots of the app’s interface. Based in San Francisco, Signal indicated that it felt compelled to implement such measures due to Microsoft’s constraints on user privacy protection.
Signal Responds to Microsoft’s AI-Powered Recall Feature
In a recent blog update, Signal elaborated on the motivations behind this new feature. Microsoft began rolling out its AI-driven Recall feature to users of Copilot+ PCs at the end of last month.
Initially unveiled in May 2024, Recall functions as an on-device search history tracker, continuously capturing screenshots of users’ activities. This allows the AI to provide accurate information when users inquire about their actions at specific dates and times. However, the feature has faced significant criticism from security professionals and users alike due to its inadequate privacy measures.
In the past year, Microsoft has modified the tool by adding several security features and shifting it to an opt-in basis, rather than enabling it by default. Despite these updates, Signal asserts that Microsoft has not supplied app developers with the necessary tools to deny OS-level AI systems access to chat data, which often contains sensitive information.
To address this vulnerability, Signal has incorporated a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag within the app window that inhibits any screenshot captures. This approach is akin to the methods used by streaming platforms like Netflix to prevent the unauthorized capture of content. Additionally, Signal has made it clear that this security setting will be enabled automatically on all Windows 11 systems once the update is applied.
While acknowledging the potential accessibility challenges posed by this new feature—such as issues for screen readers and magnification tools—Signal has allowed users the option to disable it. Users can navigate to Signal Settings, select the Privacy option, and there they will find the option to disable Screen Security.
It is important to note that if users choose to turn off the feature on Signal Desktop for Windows 11, a warning will appear stating, “If disabled, this may allow Microsoft Windows to capture screenshots of Signal and use them for features that may not be private.” Users must acknowledge this warning before proceeding with the change.
Signal expressed hopes that AI developers working on systems like Recall will be more mindful of privacy implications in the future. The company emphasized that applications like Signal should not be required to resort to unconventional tactics to safeguard user privacy in the absence of proper developer tools. The organization also advocated that privacy-conscious users should not have to sacrifice accessibility as AI technologies evolve.
