Microsoft Delays Recall AI Release Over Security Concerns

Due to privacy concerns, Microsoft will preview “Recall,” an AI-powered tool that tracks computer activity, with a smaller group later instead of rolling it out with its new laptops next week

The Recall feature tracks web browsing to voice chats, creating a history stored on the computer that users can search for when they need to remember something they did, even months later.

Recall will now be available only for a preview on its Windows Insider Program (WIP) in the coming weeks instead of being broadly available for Copilot+ PC users on June 18, Microsoft said in a blog post.

The decision is “rooted in our commitment to providing a trusted, secure, and robust experience for all customers and to seek additional feedback before making the feature available to all Copilot+ PC users,” the Redmond, Washington-based company said.

Copilot+ PCs are a category of personal computers with artificial intelligence (AI) features unveiled in May. The WIP is a public software testing program that allows millions of “Windows biggest fans” to preview upcoming features for the operating system.

The company said it plans to make the Recall preview available for all Copilot+ PCs soon after feedback from the WIP community.

Privacy concerns were raised soon after the announcement of this feature, with some social media users expressing fears that it could enable spying.

At the same time, billionaire technologist Elon Musk opened a new tab called a “Black Mirror episode”, making comparisons to the Netflix series that explores the harmful effects of advanced technology.