Signal Deploys DRM To Block Microsoft Recall's Invasive Screenshot Collection (betanews.com)
- Reference: 0177691169
- News link: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/05/22/1414235/signal-deploys-drm-to-block-microsoft-recalls-invasive-screenshot-collection
- Source link: https://betanews.com/2025/05/21/signal-declares-war-on-microsoft-recall-with-screenshot-blocking-on-windows-11/
> Signal has officially had enough, folks. You see, the privacy-first messaging app is going on the offensive, declaring war on Microsoft's invasive Recall feature by [2]enabling a new "Screen security" setting by default on Windows 11 . This move is designed to block Microsoft's AI-powered screenshot tool from capturing your private chats.
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> If you aren't aware, Recall was first unveiled a year ago as part of Microsoft's Copilot+ PC push. The feature quietly took screenshots of everything happening on your computer, every few seconds, storing them in a searchable timeline. Microsoft claimed it would help users "remember" what they've done. Critics called it creepy. Security experts called it dangerous. The backlash was so fierce that Microsoft [3]pulled the feature before launch .
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> But now, in a move nobody asked for, Recall is [4]sadly back . And thankfully, Signal isn't waiting around this time. The team has activated a Windows 11-specific DRM flag that completely blacks out Signal's chat window when a screenshot is attempted. If you've ever tried to screen grab a streaming movie, you'll know the result: nothing but black.
[1] https://slashdot.org/~BrianFagioli
[2] https://betanews.com/2025/05/21/signal-declares-war-on-microsoft-recall-with-screenshot-blocking-on-windows-11/
[3] https://it.slashdot.org/story/24/06/14/0318213/microsoft-postpones-windows-recall-after-major-backlash
[4] https://it.slashdot.org/story/25/04/25/1830232/microsoft-launches-windows-recall-after-year-long-delay
I don't have Signal (Score:1)
...does this mean I can install Signal, never use it, but get this feature?
It SEEMS that this only will black out signal's chat window, presumably only when it has focus.
I wonder how much I could pay for such a feature 24/7?
Re: (Score:2)
I can't believe people still use Windows when there are good alternatives.
Just dump it.
Re: (Score:2)
Bear in mind such a feature also makes it impossible for you to make your own screenshots. In this case only of the Signal window, but if you had the feature you're asking for, of everything. At best you could take a photo of the screen with your phone.
There's probably an undocumented hack to turn off Recall, maybe setting permissions on the folder it uses or something. Once someone has a method it needs an active effort to ensure the knowledge is shared and known by everyone. Unfortunately, in a world wher
Re: (Score:2)
When you actively have to resort to undocumented hacks to get your OS to do what you want, especially respecting your privacy, things are wrong in several ways. Probably the classic that you are not the consumer, but a resource (in this case, most things you write or view) being used and monetised. I could hope at least GDPR and somewhat better consumer protection laws could help users in the EU, but it still needs enforcement. Getting rid of that OS is of course preferred.
Re: (Score:3)
It only applies to the Signal app itself I'm afraid.
Re: (Score:2)
> I wonder how much I could pay for such a feature 24/7?
You could pay all the money you have because I'll do it for all the money you have. :)
Hint: create a service to check and disable the recall service
Better hint: Stop using Windows, you clod!
DRM can be good (Score:2)
Everyone always shits on DRM, but it's nice to know there are some positive use cases.
Besides the privacy and performance problems (Score:2)
I have no intention of helping Microsoft train their AIs to replace me. And that's really what recall is all about.
Has the internet fills up with AI slop it's going to become impossible for anyone to just spin up an AI based on freely available data. That's a one-time Bonanza that only applies to early adopters. Also early adopters with big pockets so they can fight off the lawsuits for copyright infringement but that's besides the point.
That's going to mean anyone who controls a platform is going t
Most dont care (Score:2)
Most users donâ(TM)t or wonâ(TM)t care about their precious data until it leaks. Internet users have been handing over a treasure trove of data for decades now without a care in the world. If you own a computer, it spies on you. If you use a phone, someone is spying on you. If you go on the internet, someone is spying on you. If you use a VPN, someone is spying on you. If you drive a car, someone is spying on you. If you walk down the street, hundreds if not thousands of cameras are spying on you.
Signal didn't deploy no DRM, (Score:2)
it merely piggybacks on Microsoft's DRM.
Class Action Suit - CA District Attn May Be Called (Score:2)
When I bought a computer, this is not what I bargained for.