Microsoft announced on Thursday that it will no longer ship Recall, an artificial intelligence tool that tracks user activity, with the release of the Copilot+ PC next week. This decision comes in response to concerns about privacy and security.
In a blog post, the company stated that Recall will transition from being a widely available tool to a preview feature accessible only through the Windows Insiders Program (WIP) when the new computer is launched on June 18. Microsoft aims to gather feedback through WIP before making the AI feature available on all Copilot+ PCs.
"This decision is rooted in our commitment to providing a trusted, secure, and robust experience for all customers," wrote Pavan Davuluri, Windows Corporate Vice President.
The Copilot+ PC, introduced on May 20, is designed to run advanced AI programs, including Recall. Recall is an AI tool that periodically takes screenshots to create a record of user activity, allowing users to search for their previous actions.
Controversy surrounded Recall shortly after its announcement, with industry experts raising concerns about the potential for hackers to retrieve sensitive user information, such as usernames and passwords.
In response to the backlash, Microsoft initially stated that Recall would be turned off by default, requiring users to opt in. The company also introduced additional security measures, including an encrypted search database and a requirement for Recall users to enroll in Windows Hello, which uses PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition for identity verification.
The decision to delay Recall comes amid growing security concerns as the AI field evolves rapidly. Last month, a U.S. government review board criticized Microsoft’s handling of a breach involving China accessing U.S. government officials’ email accounts.