In April 2025, Microsoft reintroduced its controversial feature called Recall to select users of Windows 11. This AI-driven tool is designed to create searchable snapshots of a user’s screen but has faced significant backlash over privacy concerns and security risks. According to multiple tests conducted by independent researchers, Recall continues to capture sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details despite Microsoft’s assurances that these features are now safer.
The feature allows Windows to continuously take screenshots and process them with AI models for indexing purposes, promising users an easier way to find files or remember actions on their computer. However, critics argue this amounts to intrusive surveillance that compromises user privacy. In December 2024, it was revealed that even after extensive revisions, Recall still failed to adequately filter out sensitive data from its snapshots.
Security experts and independent testers highlighted numerous issues including the potential misuse of captured data by unauthorized individuals if breaches occur. Despite claims from Microsoft that stored data is encrypted and only accessible via Windows Hello, there are significant doubts about whether such protections are sufficient against sophisticated attacks or accidental leaks.
Recall’s Privacy Challenges Persist: Tests Show Continued Data Capture
The Register, a respected technology news site, recently published test results demonstrating Recall’s persistent failure to prevent the capture of sensitive information. The tests revealed that even with updated filters and enhanced privacy measures, Recall still captures passwords during login processes and credit card numbers when entered on fake webpages mimicking financial transactions.
These findings echo earlier concerns raised by Tom’s Hardware in December 2024. While Microsoft claims it has made substantial improvements to the feature since its initial release, independent verification suggests that these changes have not fully addressed the underlying issues of data security and privacy protection.
Similar questions
What is Recall?
Why was it reintroduced in April 2025?
How does Recall use AI to create searchable snapshots?
What kind of sensitive information has been captured by Recall according to independent tests?
Why do critics argue that Recall amounts to intrusive surveillance?
Did Microsoft address the privacy concerns with Recall after its initial release?
According to the text, what were the results of tests conducted in December 2024 on Recall?
What are some security issues highlighted by experts regarding Recall?
Does Microsoft claim that stored data is safe from unauthorized access?
Are there doubts about the effectiveness of encryption and other protections against sophisticated attacks?