Highlights:

  • All files opened, applications utilized, webpages visited, and entered passwords or account details will be logged and stored.
  • The U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office has confirmed that it is investigating the safeguards implemented by Microsoft to ensure user privacy.

Following Microsoft Corp.’s recent announcement of Copilot , prospective users learned that personal computers running it could retain a “photographic memory” of all activities performed on the machine. Microsoft Copilot’s privacy issue understandably sparked concerns among certain privacy experts.

Copilot PCs will be equipped with an array of artificial intelligence features, including “Recall,” perhaps aptly dubbed “Total Recall.” This AI capability will monitor all user activities on their PC by capturing screenshots every few seconds. All files opened, applications utilized, webpages visited, and entered passwords or account details will be logged and stored.

This proposition may seem appealing at first glance, especially considering that many PC users often struggle to recall their daily activities on their devices. However, privacy advocates in both the U.K. and the U.S. have highlighted concerns, emphasizing that maintaining a database of such sensitive information could potentially be exploited by hackers.

In response, Microsoft has reiterated that users can disable the Recall feature entirely or restrict the type of information they retain. The company has assured that the stored information cannot be accessed by anyone other than the user, as everything is kept locally on the device. Nonetheless, hackers could access a wealth of exploitable data if they gain computer control.

The U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office has confirmed that it is investigating the safeguards implemented by Microsoft to ensure user privacy. The watchdog informed the BBC that it hopes Microsoft and all tech companies “rigorously assess and mitigate risks to people’s rights and freedoms” before releasing a product onto the market.

Another concern arises from the potential “chilling effect” on users who, knowing their PC is taking screenshots every few seconds, might avoid searching various documents or websites altogether.

And what happens if managers mandate that staff members activate the feature? It could create a dystopian scenario, exposing sensitive data and pressuring employees to remain constantly active. Some workers may be unaware of the features on their PC, while others might fully understand its capabilities.