• 24 May, 2024
• Joshua Miller
• No comment

Microsoft In Trouble: As AI Feature Under Investigation for Privacy Concerns

Microsoft’s Controversial AI Feature Under Investigation by UK Watchdog Over Screenshot

Microsoft in trouble: as an AI feature under investigation for privacy concerns, a recent update to Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot+, has sparked significant privacy issues, leading to an investigation by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The feature in question, known as Recall, captures screenshots of users’ activities every two seconds, raising alarms about its potential misuse by cyber criminals.

What is Recall?

Recall is part of Microsoft’s AI-driven Copilot+ program. It continuously captures screenshots of a user’s laptop, creating a detailed visual log of their activities. Microsoft touts Recall as a tool to help users easily find and remember information they’ve seen, using natural language processing to search through these screenshots. For instance, if a user searches for “brown leather bag,” Recall can retrieve images and links to relevant websites from past sessions.

Privacy and Security Concerns

While Recall aims to enhance user convenience, it has ignited serious security concerns. The ICO has confirmed it is probing Microsoft to understand the privacy safeguards implemented for this feature.

Cybersecurity experts warn that Recall could become a lucrative target for hackers. Muhammad Yahya Patel, Lead Security Engineer at Check Point, describes it as a “grab and go” treasure trove for cybercriminals. “Endpoints with Recall will become prime targets, offering comprehensive snapshots of user activities in one place,” he explains.

Potential Risks

The primary risk is that if a hacker gains access to a user’s laptop, they could exploit the stored screenshots to obtain sensitive information, including passwords and personal data. Charlie Milton, Vice President at Censornet, highlights the danger of scams. “Hackers could analyze recent screenshots to impersonate trusted contacts and deceive users into transferring money or sharing confidential information,” he says.

Microsoft’s Response

In response to the backlash, Microsoft has emphasized that Recall stores all data locally on the user’s device, not in the cloud, and that only individuals with physical access to the device can view the screenshots. The company also notes that users can control Recall’s operation, including deleting snapshots, pausing the feature, or excluding specific apps and websites from being recorded.

Despite these assurances, the concerns remain significant. Critics argue that the mere existence of such detailed logs on a device amplifies the risk of data breaches.

Conclusion

As the ICO continues its investigation, the tech community watches closely. Microsoft’s Recall feature, while innovative, underscores the delicate balance between technological advancement and user privacy. The outcome of this scrutiny may shape the future landscape of AI-driven features and their regulation.

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