Microsoft's Controversial AI Feature Recall Set for October Testing Amid Security Concerns

Microsoft (MSFT.US) announced on Wednesday that it will begin releasing its controversial AI search feature, Recall, in October for Windows users to test. Recall, which initially debuted two months ago, faced immediate backlash over security concerns. The feature captures screenshots of all activities on a user's screen to allow them to search for previously viewed information. Security researchers quickly raised alarms about the risks associated with Windows automatically capturing images without user consent. They demonstrated how personal data could be easily accessed by attackers using open-source software. Microsoft responded in June by stating that Recall would be turned off by default and promised to enhance the feature's security. Microsoft's recent blog post highlights the company's commitment to providing a trusted and secure experience with the Copilot+ PC Recall (preview version). The Recall feature will be made available for testing to registered users through the Windows Insider program in October. The blog reiterated that the company had adjusted its release strategy to leverage the expertise of Windows Insider users before making Recall broadly available on all Copilot+ PCs. The company emphasized that security remains a top priority. When Recall is made available to Windows Insider users in October, a detailed blog post with additional information will be published. This update indicates that starting in October, Windows users will be able to test the AI search feature Recall. This rollout will introduce advanced AI technology experiences to the latest batch of Microsoft's PCs. However, Microsoft has not specified when Recall will be widely available on Windows computers that meet system requirements. Device manufacturers are keen to demonstrate that AI models can run locally on PCs, rather than relying on cloud servers from OpenAI or other companies. Apple's MacBook, capable of running AI models, and Microsoft's latest Surface Pro, capable of running local AI through Copilot+ PCs, are examples. The timing of a widespread Recall release is potentially critical. If Microsoft expands Recall to all supporting devices by then, consumers might be more interested in purchasing new PCs during the holiday season. The introduction of Recall in May initially alarmed privacy advocates, who feared it could record all user activities on their PCs, posing unnecessary privacy risks. Independent researchers' early analyses further fueled concerns about how Microsoft would implement the Recall feature. Upon its initial debut, Recall attracted criticism for capturing screenshots of all activities every few seconds, which implied recording all operations, including sensitive information, without content moderation. This means that the feature could capture all screen content of PC users, including bank account passwords and confidential files. Given the controversy, Microsoft promptly adjusted Recall to have it turned off by default and pledged to enhance its security features. Nevertheless, its aim is to provide a local, secure AI experience, emphasizing that the improvements will be thoroughly tested before a broader release. In summary, the Recall feature, which utilizes local AI models to capture almost all PC activities, will enter testing with Windows Insider users in October. The company aims to ensure enhanced security and trustworthiness before potentially rolling it out more broadly.