The Recall feature by Microsoft, known for capturing user activity on Copilot+ PCs to create a “photographic memory,” has faced criticism within the app developer community. According to a report from The Verge, both AdGuard and Brave have opted to block Recall due to privacy concerns. Brave made an announcement in a blog post earlier this year, expressing intentions to block Recall in version 1.81 of their browser. Users will have the option to toggle Recall on if desired, although the idea of having browsing activity captured by others may not sit well with everyone.

AdGuard also joined in by announcing a new feature that will allow users to disable Recall in version 7.21 of their app. This feature seems to provide a comprehensive block of Recall across the system, not limited to specific applications. Additionally, AdGuard offers various settings to prevent other Windows tracking features, such as telemetry data collection.

While AdGuard’s block is extensive, Brave has innovated on Signal’s method by enabling users to take screenshots themselves while preventing Recall from capturing its own images. Signal had employed a more direct approach using Digital Rights Management (DRM) to entirely block screenshots, even by users themselves.

It is likely that more companies will follow suit in preventing Recall from functioning as intended, given the pushback Microsoft has faced since introducing the feature last year. Originally set for launch with Copilot+ PCs designed to enhance Microsoft’s AI capabilities, its release was delayed, possibly due to public unease. Despite efforts by Microsoft to address privacy concerns by offering Recall initially to Windows Insider Program members and implementing additional security measures like encryption and local storage of screenshots, the feature continues to raise discomfort among users.

Nevertheless, Recall now acts as a valuable marketing point for privacy-focused app developers seeking to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding user privacy by blocking it.