Microsoft Halts Universal Recall Release, Impacting Customers

Tech & AI | June 14, 2024, 6:14 a.m.

Microsoft has backtracked on their plans to widely release Recall, a tool for Copilot+ PCs that creates a record of everything users do on their machines, due to concerns over privacy and security. Originally announced as a helpful tool to remember websites or emails, Recall quickly faced backlash for potentially recording sensitive data like passwords or bank account numbers. Microsoft faced criticism for its handling of privacy issues and the default setting of Recall being active. After 17 days of defending the tool, Microsoft finally made Recall opt-in and implemented additional security measures. The delayed release of Recall to all users of Copilot+ PCs is a setback for Microsoft, especially as they try to establish their own term and solidify partnerships in the AI PC market, particularly with Qualcomm-powered machines. The future of Recall remains uncertain as Microsoft navigates privacy concerns and strives to win back the trust of users and analysts alike.