Microsoft Cancels Recall Features For Widely Copilot+ PCs

Display of the Recall feature in PC Copilot+ (Photo: Doc. Microsoft)

JAKARTA - Tech giant Microsoft announced that it will not release the recall feature on PC Copilot+ to the wider community next week.

The announcement was shared in a recent blog post, following concerns about privacy and security. However, the recall will still be launched, even though it only takes place via Windows Insider Program or WIP on June 18.

Microsoft also said its plans to make the AI feature available on all Copilot+ PCs as soon as they receive feedback via WIP.

"We adjusted the recall release model to leverage Windows Insider community expertise to ensure the experience met our high standards in terms of quality and security," Microsoft said in a blog post.

The Copilot+ PC is Microsoft's newest Windows PC to launch for the first time on May 20, to provide better performance and all new AI experiences and help users be more productive and creative.

But since then, according to The Verge, privacy advocates and security experts have warned that Recall could be a "disaster" for cybersecurity if nothing changes.

Therefore, Microsoft presents three updates. First, Microsoft provides users with clearer options in saving snapshots using Recall. So, if you don't activate it manually, then this feature will be disabled.

Second, Microsoft says that Windows Hello registration is needed to enable Recall. In addition, proof of presence is also needed to view your timeline and search in Recall.

Lastly, Microsoft also added additional data protection layers by Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS), so the recall snapshot will only be decrypted and accessible when the user authenticates.

Microsoft's decision to delay the widespread launch of the Recall came just after vice chairman and president Brad Smith testified before the DPR's Domestic Security Committee.

Smith said that Microsoft put security above all else, as part of the Secure Future Initiative (SFI).

"This is even more important than the company's efforts in the field of artificial intelligence," Smith said.