The United Kingdom's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is looking into a new Microsoft function, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), that takes screenshots of users' computers every few seconds.
However, the feature sparked security questions. The ICO said it is contacting the tech giant to find out what privacy protections are in place, as reported by The Sun.
Microsoft's Recall Function in Copilot+ Laptops Raises Security Concerns
New Microsoft laptops will come equipped with the Recall function, which is a component of its AI program Copilot+.
Every few seconds, a feature will capture screenshots to document the user's activities. From video chats to online surfing, it records every activity done on the laptop and stores it in a complete history.
According to Sky News, Microsoft claims that Recall intends to assist users in easily finding and remembering things they have seen while using the laptop using "photographic memory" and natural language to prompt AI.
If an individual is searching for something they saw online a few days ago but cannot locate it, they may utilize Recall to help them find it by entering search terms. Recall will show screenshots from the time they see it and may provide a link to that particular website. Additionally, it will scan their laptop for related images, papers, presentations, and other data.
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Microsoft Claims Screenshots Will Be Saved Locally, Not on Cloud
In response, Microsoft said that users' laptops would keep the screenshots and data locally rather than storing them on a cloud-based system, as reported by Sky News. This means that these will not be accessed by Microsoft or anyone who is not authorized, which the company believes will reduce the chance of hackers obtaining the contents.
Still, the files will not be edited in any kind during storage. Thus, screenshots may include identifiable information such as passwords or medical records.
There is a concern that highly confidential information might be readily accessible in the event that the user's laptop is compromised.
Yet, according to Microsoft's statement to the BBC, a potential hacker would have to get to the device, unlock it, and log in to retrieve stored screenshots.
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