Microsoft has announced that it will not include Recall, its AI tool for tracking user activity, in the initial release of the Copilot+ PC next week. The decision comes after rising privacy and security concerns, as stated in a blog post by the company on Thursday.
Recall, initially set to be broadly available, will now only be accessible as a preview feature through the Windows Insiders Program (WIP) when the new PC launches on June 18. Microsoft plans to gather feedback from WIP participants before making the feature widely available on all Copilot+ PCs.
“This decision is rooted in our commitment to providing a trusted, secure and robust experience for all customers,” wrote Pavan Davuluri, Windows Corporate Vice President, in the blog post.
Introduced on May 20, the Copilot+ PC is designed to support advanced AI programs, including Recall. The tool takes regular screenshots to create an activity log, enabling users to search for past actions. However, Recall quickly sparked controversy, with industry experts voicing concerns about potential security risks, such as hackers retrieving sensitive information like usernames and passwords.
In response to the backlash, Microsoft initially decided to disable Recall by default, requiring users to opt in. Additional security measures were also implemented, including an encrypted search database and mandatory enrollment in Windows Hello, which verifies user identity through PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
The delay of Recall comes amid increasing scrutiny over AI security. Just last month, a U.S. government review board criticized Microsoft for its handling of a breach by China, which compromised the email accounts of U.S. government officials.
Microsoft’s cautious approach reflects broader industry concerns as AI technology continues to advance rapidly. By prioritizing user trust and security, the company aims to address the challenges and risks associated with new AI tools.
