Microsoft’s Windows Recall, designed to capture snapshots of private conversations, has faced backlash from cybersecurity experts and privacy activists. In response, the chat app Signal has invoked Digital Rights Management (DRM) functionality in Windows to block the feature. Signal prides itself on chat privacy and sees automatic screenshot capture of message windows as unacceptable.
The new “Screen security” setting is now enabled by default in Signal Desktop on Windows 11, requiring user confirmation before proceeding. This tool blocks Recall from capturing screenshots of private conversations, but may not be suitable for all users, such as those using accessibility software like screen readers or magnification tools.
Microsoft first introduced Recall at its 2024 Build event, with the intention of allowing users to step back to previous work sessions. However, the implementation was deemed flawed, and the feature was met with criticism from experts and activists. After a reworked version was previewed in April 2025, Signal has taken matters into its own hands, using DRM to restrict Recall’s capabilities.
The situation highlights the ongoing debate over user privacy and data protection. While Microsoft claimed users were always in control of what apps and websites get saved in snapshots, Signal disagrees, stating that the feature seems like a suggestion from an artificial intelligence system designed to quickly add arbitrary features to operating systems.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/22/signal_microsoft_recall