Microsoft has recently announced a delay in the release of the Recall (preview) feature for their new Copilot+ PCs, citing privacy concerns and the need for additional user feedback as the primary reasons for this postponement.
Originally scheduled for a broader preview on June 18, 2024, however, the feature will now undergo testing first through the Windows Insider Program before advancing to a wider release.
Privacy Concerns Lead to Delay
In a statement, Microsoft explained that they are adjusting the release model for Recall to leverage the expertise of the Windows Insider community. The goal is to ensure that “the experience meets our high standards for quality and security” before making it available to all Copilot+ PC users.
This move is rooted in their commitment to providing a “trusted, secure and robust experience for all customers.” As part of this commitment, the company has emphasized the need for additional feedback from its user base to refine and enhance the feature.
Focus on Security Enhancements
The company highlighted that Recall will include “additional security protections,” such as “just in time” decryption, which Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) protects.
This means that users will decrypt and access Recall snapshots only upon authentication, adding an extra layer of security to their data. Microsoft has also stated that all Copilot+ PCs will come equipped with these advanced security measures to protect user information effectively.
Listening to User Feedback
Microsoft’s decision to delay the broader release of Recall stems from feedback received from the Windows Insider community. The company plans to use this feedback to make necessary improvements to the feature.
As Microsoft’s statement outlines, the company is driven by a desire to “empower people through the transformative potential of AI” and sees great utility in the Recall feature. However, they also recognize the importance of trust and aim to ensure that the feature meets users’ expectations and security needs.
Prioritizing User Control and Security Measures
Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI) drives the development of Recall and other innovations for Copilot+ PCs. This initiative emphasizes advanced security measures, including Secured-core PCs, the Microsoft Pluton security processor, and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS). These features safeguard user data from hardware to cloud.
To enhance privacy, Microsoft has updated the Copilot+ PC setup, now allowing users to opt-in for saving snapshots with Recall, which, notably, is off by default. Moreover, enabling Recall requires Windows Hello enrollment and proof of presence, thereby ensuring that only authenticated users can access their data. Consequently, this approach not only aligns with SFI principles but also empowers users with greater control over their privacy and data security.
