Windows 11: Microsoft's controversial AI function is still stingy with personal data
Microsoft Windows 11 Professional
Introductory price €249
How the pricing table works
Turn off your ad blocker to access all of the links above.
Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Introductory price €159
Turn off your ad blocker to access all of the links above.
AI on Windows 11 is a key area of development for Microsoft, and Recall is one of its cornerstones. However, the tool allowing all user activity to be stored in memory so that they can consult it later if necessary has not finished playing in controversy.
Recall function on Windows 11 ©Microsoft
After being paused for security issuesthe Redmond firm had decided to implement intelligent filters in order to hide sensitive personal data displayed on the screen (bank card numbers, social security, financial information, etc.). Bad news, this functionality is more than faulty.
In fact, the media Tom's Hardware revealed on December 13, 2024 that Recall had failed in recent tests. “This filter only worked in certain situations (on two online sales sites), leaving a gaping hole in the protection it promises”shares journalist Avram Piltch.
He adds that when he entered his credit card information, a username and a password in a notepad window, the AI-powered function recorded it, writing down the name of the bank and the words “Visa” next to the numbers.
Similarly, when I filled out a PDF loan application in Microsoft Edge, entering a Social Security number, name, and date of birth, Recall captured it.
Another moment where Recall made a mistake: when it created an HTML page with the mention “Enter your credit card number below”including classic information fields to fill in for an online purchase (card type, numbers, CVC and expiration date).
“I thought this would trigger a reminder to block it, but the software captured an image of my completed form, with the credit card data”he shares.
We are therefore faced with a real security problem for Windows 11 PC users with Recall. The good news in the story is that the feature is still in beta. We must therefore hope that everything is well refined for the overall deployment of the functionality.
By requesting a response from Microsoft regarding this situation, the media received part of the blog preview from Recall pointing out that the company continues to improve the functionality. She emphasizes in passing that she takes into account feedback from the community if “sensitive information that must be filtered” were captured by the tool.
It is also emphasized that an option “allows you to anonymously share apps and sites you prefer to exclude from Recall to help us improve the product”. The opportunity for Microsoft to have a more extensive database, and therefore limit the black and white display of sensitive personal information.
