Microsoft has decided to postpone the rollout of "Recall," an AI-powered feature designed to track computer usage, due to privacy concerns.
Initially scheduled to be available on new computers next week, the feature will instead be previewed with a smaller group through the Windows Insider Program, the company announced on Thursday.
Privacy Concerns
The Recall feature tracks users' web browsing and voice chats, creating a searchable history stored on the computer.
This allows users to recall past activities even months later.
But concerns about user privacy and security have emerged, with critics fearing it could lead to potential spying.
Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk likened the feature to a "Black Mirror episode," referring to the dystopian TV series.
Microsoft stated in a blog post that the decision to delay is "rooted in our commitment to providing a trusted, secure, and robust experience for all customers and to seek additional feedback prior to making the feature available to all Copilot+ PC users."
The feature will now be available only for preview on the Windows Insider Program (WIP) in the coming weeks, rather than broadly available on June 18 as planned.
The Windows Insider Program
Copilot+ PCs, unveiled in May, are a category of personal computers equipped with advanced AI features.
The Windows Insider Program is a public software testing program that allows millions of Windows enthusiasts to preview upcoming features for the operating system.
Microsoft plans to make the Recall preview available to all Copilot+ PCs soon after receiving feedback from the WIP community.
