Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature, which automatically takes screenshots of almost everything that happens on your computer with Copilot Plus, is facing resistance from app developers. Signal started the trend of blocking Recall earlier this year, and AdGuard and the Brave browser are now also blocking the Windows AI feature.
In a blog post, AdGuard calls Recall a “privacy threat,” explaining why it’s blocking Microsoft’s AI tool. “The very idea of background screenshots is troubling,” says AdGuard. “At any moment, the system could take a screenshot of a private chat window, an online form where you’re entering your credit card information, or just something personal that you don’t want to save.”
Brave admits that it was “partially inspired by Signal’s Recall blocking” for its decision to also block Recall from accessing its browser. “We’ll disable this feature by default for Windows 11+ users, and for users who really need Recall, it can be re-enabled,” Brave says.
Signal first started blocking Recall screenshots on Windows 11 in May, noting that Microsoft “launched Recall without detailed settings for app developers that would allow Signal to easily protect privacy, which is a glaring omission that limits our choices.”
Signal’s blocking involves the use of a DRM flag, which means it blocks any screenshots or messaging app accessibility tools. Brave can provide screenshot access and tools for people with disabilities, but still disable Recall, because Microsoft allows browsers to disable Recall at will. “While it’s encouraging that Microsoft recognizes that web browsers are particularly privacy-sensitive applications, we hope they provide the same flexibility to disable Recall for all privacy-conscious app developers,” Brave says.
