Signal, the renowned encrypted messaging app, has taken a major step to protect its users from potential privacy breaches caused by Microsoft’s new AI-powered Recall feature on Windows 11.
In its latest update, Signal has updated its Windows 11 desktop application to prevent Microsoft’s Recall feature from capturing screenshots of private conversations.
This enhancement introduces a default-enabled “Screen Security” setting, leveraging Digital Rights Management (DRM) techniques to block unauthorized screen captures.
Microsoft Recall
Microsoft Recall is designed to be an intelligent assistant that constantly captures screen snapshots in the background, enabling users to “go back in time” and search through past activity using AI.
It’s available on the company’s new Copilot+ PCs and allows users to find content, even if they don’t remember when or where they saw it. However, this ambitious feature has raised major concerns over user privacy and data control.
By design, Recall can screenshot nearly everything on your screen and store that information locally. But the real kicker? There’s currently no API that lets app developers opt out or tell Recall to leave their apps alone.
In response, Signal’s latest update to its Windows 11 app turns on Screen Security by default. This feature uses DRM-like protections to block screen capturing, the same kind of tech that prevents users from screenshotting Netflix shows.
So, if Recall tries to take a snapshot while a Signal chat is on screen, it won’t work. The screen will appear blank or blacked out in the screenshot.
“OS vendors need to ensure developers of apps like Signal always have tools to reject AI systems accessing sensitive information,” said Signal developer Joshua Lund.
Balancing Privacy and Accessibility
While the Screen Security feature enhances privacy, it may impact users who rely on accessibility tools like screen readers.
Acknowledging this, Signal allows users to disable the feature through Settings > Privacy > Screen Security, ensuring flexibility based on individual needs.
The company’s decision to implement Screen Security by default reflects a commitment to user confidentiality, even when it requires workarounds due to limited OS-level controls.
