Blackmailers, spies, and fraudsters take note: Signal has disabled the Microsoft screenshot function.

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      Signal screenshot captured using Microsoft Recall / Signal.org

      Signal, the well-known messaging app focused on privacy, has implemented a notable update to its Windows 11 desktop version, named “Screen Security,” to prevent Microsoft’s AI-driven Recall tool from taking screenshots of users’ private chats. This action emphasizes Signal's commitment to user privacy, especially after increased scrutiny from the Trump Administration and the growing attention on the app's use. As reported by Bleeping Computer, the Screen Security feature is enabled by default on Windows 11.

      An overview of Microsoft’s Recall functionality

      Microsoft Recall, which was recently introduced on Copilot+ PCs, is an AI tool that regularly captures screenshots of a user's desktop to create a searchable history of past activities. Although it is designed to improve productivity by allowing users to revisit previous tasks, Recall has raised privacy issues because of its extensive access to on-screen content, including sensitive information from multiple apps. Importantly, Recall does not have an API that would allow developers to prevent their applications from being captured, leaving privacy-centric apps like Signal at risk of unintentional data exposure.

      Provided by Microsoft PR / Microsoft.com

      Signal's proactive privacy initiative

      In reaction, Signal’s recent update incorporates Digital Rights Management (DRM) techniques—similar to those utilized by streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu—to prevent screen capture attempts. As indicated by Laurent Giret from Thurrott.com, when the Screen Security feature is activated, any effort to take a screenshot of the Signal app results in a blank image, effectively safeguarding conversations from being recorded by Recall or any other screenshot software.

      This feature is enabled by default for Windows 11 users but can be disabled by those who need compatibility with specific accessibility tools. Signal recognizes that while this measure may disrupt functionalities like screen readers, the absence of precise control over Recall's operations left them with few alternatives. As Signal developer Joshua Lund mentioned, "Microsoft has simply given us no other option," as noted by ArsTechnica.

      Are there wider implications?

      Signal's initiative illustrates the escalating conflict between privacy and system-level AI capabilities. The deployment of Recall without sufficient opt-out options raises concerns about balancing innovation with privacy rights. By responding proactively, Signal sets an example for other applications to prioritize user data protection, potentially encouraging Microsoft to rethink the design and permissions related to Recall.

      As AI continues to integrate more deeply into device operating systems, the importance of clear and user-controlled privacy settings becomes increasingly vital. Signal’s update serves as a reminder that protecting user privacy demands vigilant and proactive efforts, especially when system-level features could inadvertently endanger sensitive data.

      For those worried about the repercussions of Microsoft's Recall feature, Signal's latest update provides an additional layer of security, enhancing the app's reputation in the realm of secure communications. We have an excellent list of Signal tips & tricks if you decide to try out the app.

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      Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces an AI Researcher that everyone will appreciate

      Microsoft may be behind in this area, but it is finally introducing a comprehensive research tool to the Microsoft 365 Copilot platform across web, mobile, and desktop. Unlike competitors like Google Gemini, Perplexity, or OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which all utilize the Deep Research title, Microsoft has opted for the Researcher agent branding.

      The fundamental concept remains similar: you instruct the Copilot AI to generate in-depth researched content on a specific topic or create an action plan, and it responds with a detailed document that would typically require hours of human research and assembly. It’s designed to perform intricate, multi-step research on your behalf as an autonomous AI agent.

      To clarify, Microsoft 365 Copilot is essentially the rebranded version of the former Microsoft 365 (Office) app. It differs from the standalone Copilot app, which functions more like a general-purpose AI chatbot.

      Researcher: An analytical agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot

      How does the Researcher agent function?

      Beneath the Researcher agent is OpenAI’s Deep Research model, but this is not a mere imitation. The integration of this feature within Microsoft 365 Copilot is significantly more advanced than that of competitors. This is mainly because it can analyze your content or a business's internal data as well.

      Instead of relying exclusively on internet information, the Researcher agent can review internal documents, such as emails, chats, meeting records, calendars, transcripts, and shared files. It can also pull data from external sources like Salesforce and other custom agents used within a company.

      “Researcher’s ability to reason and make connections results in exceptional moments,” asserts Microsoft. Users can configure the Researcher agent to refer to data from the web, local files, meeting recordings, emails, chats, and sales agents, either individually, collectively, or selectively.

      What