The Recall feature introduced by Microsoft, which captures screenshots of various activities on a Copilot Plus PC, is facing pushback from app developers. Following the lead of Signal, which first blocked Recall, both AdGuard and Brave have now chosen to restrict the functionality of this Windows AI feature.
AdGuard has labeled Recall a significant “privacy concern” in a blog entry detailing their decision. They stated, “The very idea of background screen captures is unsettling. At any given moment, the system could snap a screenshot of a private chat window, an online form where you’re entering your credit card, or simply something personal you didn’t want saved.”
Brave has stated its decision to block Recall was “partly inspired by Signal’s blocking of Recall.” They plan to disable the feature by default for users on Windows 11 and later, though an option will remain for those who wish to enable it again.
Signal began its restrictions in May, emphasizing that Microsoft’s launch of Recall lacked detailed settings for app developers, which would allow them to better safeguard user privacy. This omission has been criticized as a significant limitation.
Using a DRM flag, Signal effectively blocks any accessibility or screenshot tools from using their messaging app. In contrast, Brave can still support these tools while disabling Recall because Microsoft provides browser applications with options to disable this feature. “While it’s encouraging that Microsoft acknowledges web browsers as particularly privacy-sensitive applications, we hope they extend the same control options regarding Recall to all privacy-focused developers,” Brave remarked.
