Beaumont claims he used a second user account on the computer to determine the severity of the data collected. The Recall feature does nothing but automatically take screenshots every few seconds, which are then translated into usable content by local AI. They end up in a database in the user's folder.
The database file stores everything you have viewed on your computer in plain text. There are only small exceptions, for example, content from private Edge sessions is not recorded, but this does not apply to other browsers.
Pretty much everything a user does on a computer is meticulously recorded, even if it is organized by software. Every piece of text, every user interaction is recorded. Sensitive data, such as account or credit card numbers and passwords, is not ignored. Even if you actively delete things from your programs, such as emails, the content will still be recalled.
Initially, Microsoft wanted the new feature to be enabled by default. It should be possible to turn it off later via settings, but users will have to take action to do so (opt out). Now Microsoft is making a comeback: In a new blog post it says:
We're updating the Copilot+ PC setup to give users the option to choose to save snapshots using Recall. If you do not choose to proactively enable it, it will be disabled by default.
Microsoft is turning opt-out into opt-in functionality. Anyone who does not agree will simply not be forced into the controversial job. This should take the edge off the discussion.
