Signal’s latest Windows update adds screenshot protection, stopping system-level screen captures of private chats for enhanced message security
Today, Signal announced that it is revising its Windows application to prevent the system from capturing screenshots, thereby safeguarding the content that is currently displayed.
According to the organization, Windows 11 incorporates this novel “screen security” feature by default. Signal stated that this new feature is intended to safeguard users’ privacy from Microsoft’s Recall feature, which was introduced last year.
Recall continuously captures screenshots of the system to preserve all of your activities. This allows you to rewind in time to recall the content you were viewing.
Microsoft initiated testing of the feature through the Windows Preview Channel in April, despite the fact that the company had previously suspended its rollout in response to consumer backlash last year.
The feature has been made opt-in by Microsoft, and it is also possible to pause it at any moment. Signal stated that the feature continues to capture sensitive content in spite of these modifications.
Signal stated that the new screen security setting will result in a barren screen when attempting to capture a screenshot.
The company also cautioned that the setting may not function as intended when it is enabled, which could affect certain functions, including screen readers. The setting can be disabled by navigating to Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security.
When attempting to disable this option, the application will display a warning message. In order to finalize the process, click on “Confirm.” This is to prevent you from inadvertently deactivating the feature while attempting to modify other settings.
“We aspire for the AI teams responsible for the development of systems such as Recall to exercise greater caution in considering these implications in the future.” Signal stated in a blog post that it should not be necessary for applications such as Signal to employ a “single strange trick” to ensure the privacy and integrity of their services in the absence of appropriate developer tools.
