Signal Slams Microsoft’s Recall, Disables Screenshots on Windows 11

Signal Slams Microsoft’s Recall, Disables Screenshots on Windows 11

Worried that Microsoft Recall might take screenshots of your Signal chats? Don’t be. 

Signal has introduced a new “Screen security” setting for its Windows 11 app that will give users a black screen every time you or the system attempts to take a screenshot. You might be familiar with the outcome if you have attempted screenshotting shows or movies on Netflix. 

The feature arrives just a month after Microsoft officially rolled out its controversial Recall feature, which takes screenshots at regular intervals to create a history of everything you have seen or done on your PC. Though announced in May last year, the launch was delayed due to privacy concerns.

Explaining the reason behind the feature, Signal said that “although Microsoft made several adjustments over the past twelve months in response to critical feedback, the revamped version of Recall still places any content that’s displayed within privacy-preserving apps like Signal at risk.”

Additionally, the press release notes that Microsoft has yet to provide an API for the feature that would allow app developers to opt out of it.

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“We hope that the AI teams building systems like Recall will think through these implications more carefully in the future,” Signal says. “Apps like Signal shouldn’t have to implement “one weird trick” in order to maintain the privacy and integrity of their services without proper developer tools.”

Screen security for Signal is now rolling out to Windows 11 PCs. Users who aren’t worried about Recall or are willing to let it store screenshots of their Signal activity can disable the new feature by going to Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security.

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About Jibin Joseph

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Jibin Joseph

Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.

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