Signal, a well-known messaging platform centered on privacy, introduced a new security feature on Wednesday aimed at mitigating concerns raised by Microsoft’s Recall function. The new capability, termed Screen Security, will block devices from capturing screenshots of the Signal app’s interface. The company, based in San Francisco, indicated that it felt compelled to implement this safeguard after Microsoft limited its options for ensuring user privacy.
Signal Takes Action Against Microsoft’s AI-Powered Recall Feature
In a blog post, Signal elaborated on the necessity of the new feature. Microsoft recently began the rollout of its AI-driven Recall feature to users of Copilot+ PCs, a change that raised significant privacy concerns.
Initially announced in May 2024, Recall is designed to track users’ on-device activities by taking continuous screenshots. This technology aims to assist users in recalling their actions at specific dates and times. However, the feature has encountered criticism from privacy advocates and the general public for its insufficient privacy safeguards.
Signal noted that over the past year, Microsoft had revised the tool by enhancing security features and making it opt-in rather than default. Nevertheless, Signal claims that developers were not offered adequate means to prevent Microsoft’s OS-level AI systems from accessing sensitive chat information.
In response, Signal implemented a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag on its application window to prevent unauthorized screenshot capture. This method mirrors the protections used by streaming services like Netflix to guard against screenshotting of their content. The new security measure will automatically activate on all Windows 11 devices post-update.
While acknowledging that this feature might present accessibility challenges—such as affecting screen readers and magnification tools—Signal confirmed that it can be disabled. Users can navigate to Signal Settings, select the Privacy option, and disable the Screen Security feature if desired.
It is important to recognize that disabling Screen Security on Signal Desktop for Windows 11 will trigger a warning indicating, “If disabled, this may allow Microsoft Windows to capture screenshots of Signal and use them for features that may not be private.” Users will need to acknowledge this alert before proceeding with the change.
Signal expressed hope that teams developing AI systems like Recall will take privacy implications more seriously moving forward. The company stated, “Apps like Signal shouldn’t have to implement ‘one weird trick’ to preserve privacy and integrity without proper developer tools. Individuals concerned about privacy should not have to compromise on accessibility for the sake of AI innovation.”
