Signal has taken a bold step to protect user privacy by rolling out a new update to its desktop app for Windows 11, specifically targeting Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature. The update, which includes an enhanced Screen Security setting, ensures that users’ end-to-end encrypted chats cannot be captured by Recall’s screenshot function a major privacy win for users of the secure messaging platform.
The Recall feature, a cornerstone of Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PCs, is designed to automatically take snapshots of a user’s screen to create a searchable digital memory. While Microsoft has made several changes to Recall after facing strong criticism over security concerns, privacy advocates and developers remain skeptical.
One of the most vocal critics has been Signal. In a blog post published on Wednesday, May 21, Signal developer Joshua Lund emphasized the potential risks Recall poses. “Although Microsoft made several adjustments over the past twelve months in response to critical feedback, the revamped version of Recall still places any content that’s displayed within privacy-preserving apps like Signal at risk,” Lund stated.
To counter this, Signal’s latest Windows 11 update automatically enables Screen Security by default. This feature prevents any form of screen capture when Signal is in use, effectively blocking Recall from logging sensitive conversations. Users don’t need to activate anything manually, making the protection seamless and proactive.
Signal’s move highlights growing tensions between tech companies prioritizing privacy and those deploying AI features that could compromise it. While Microsoft insists that Recall is secure and privacy-conscious, platforms like Signal are choosing not to take chances, reinforcing their commitment to user data protection.
The update is a reminder that in an era of powerful AI tools and increasingly integrated systems, privacy is far from guaranteed and often needs to be actively defended. Signal’s stance sets an example for other apps and services to prioritize user consent and control in the face of expanding digital surveillance capabilities.
