This will be preaching to the choir for some readers, as you didn't exactly need another reason not to use Windows right? Microsoft's new Recall AI will take screenshots of everything you do and that sounds truly terrible. Spyware as a service, courtesy of Microsoft's push to stick AI into everything.
You might think I'm being perhaps a bit sensational here or even clickbaity, but no, this is actually genuinely what Recall does. As Microsoft said: "Recall uses Copilot+ PC advanced processing capabilities to take images of your active screen every few seconds", and not only just on their new ARM PCs, they said it will roll out to x86 platforms too via a Windows update.
What's the point? It's to give you a special timeline of your day (it stores up to 3 months worth of what you do), allowing you to go back through it and find things, highlight things, open the original application shown in pictures and eventually open up whatever you were working on in the right application with the right content at the time. Basically, some fancy-pants AI search going over everything you've done.
Microsoft do say the storage is local to your device, and is "protected using data encryption on your device" and even using BitLocker if you're on Windows 11 Pro or an enterprise Windows 11 SKU. Microsoft also claim it doesn't share it anywhere else, at all, no advertisers or Microsoft themselves. But, how far do we trust data being fed into a black-box AI that no one can really see what it's doing huh?
Here's the thing: straight from their own FAQ (scroll down) it notes how "Recall does not perform content moderation" and it will "not hide information such as passwords or financial account numbers". Oh wow, that sure sounds good for your privacy doesn't it. But don't worry it "does not take snapshots of certain kinds of content, including InPrivate web browsing sessions in Microsoft Edge" and "material protected with digital rights management (DRM)" is also protected. We can't have Netflix or Disney getting annoyed with it taking a shot of that movie you watched, nope.
I'm not even what you may call a "privacy nut". I use big-name stuff all the time, my main browser is plain ol' Google Chrome and you get the idea. But still, this is super weird.
What happens if someone else gets access to your device? Lost, stolen, sold (and you forgot to wipe) and so on. If you get hacked, they'll end up seeing everything, it's another major attack point. Yeah great it's stored on your device, but people and companies get broken open all the time, malicious orgs will have a real party with your data. There's plenty of other times people may end up with access to your device to think about, I'm not going to list them all of course.
You can hear Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speak about it to The Wall Street Journal, skip to 3:23:
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No thanks. I'll pass, forever. I never want this. It feels creepy and gross.
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is already looking into it. No doubt others will be too. A privacy nightmare for everyone.
If you wish to try Linux, I can recommend Kubuntu which is my daily-driver.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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gradyvuckovic May 23
Big fat NOPE from me thanks. If I'm ever forced by the universe's cruel twists of fate to use Windows 11, 'Recall' will be the first thing I disable.
12 Likes, Who?
I'm sure every authoritarian government on Earth will be demanding access to these screenshots. And Microsoft will probably agree to make it so that Recall will be sending those governments that data. As long as Microsoft doesn't explicitly profit from that, they can still be honest to say that they aren't selling it.
13 Likes, Who?
Quoting: KandarihuI'm sure every authoritarian government on Earth will be demanding access to these screenshots. And Microsoft will probably agree to make it so that Recall will be sending those governments that data. As long as Microsoft doesn't explicitly profit from that, they can still be honest to say that they aren't selling it.
mmhh
https://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/12/tech/web/microsoft-nsa-snooping/index.html ...
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/11/microsoft-nsa-collaboration-user-data
you gotta be raving mad to actually want this , im without usa-dos for months now and i havent missed it once
im almost glad it bricked my firmware, only sad the only software to unbrick it seems to run on windows lol
4 Likes, Who?
Quoting: gradyvuckovicBig fat NOPE from me thanks. If I'm ever forced by the universe's cruel twists of fate to use Windows 11, 'Recall' will be the first thing I disable.
I assume you mean "disable" and not actually disable, otherwise you'll be at a constant battle with the OS
2 Likes, Who?
This is just going to be Shazam for your Computer. Same way Google parses your emails to determine what ads to show you. The same way your SmartTV Shazam's what your viewing and sells the data off to advertisers. Sure, MSFT might say they don't sell the data off for now. The "suggested" ads in the start menu could quickly become a suggested ad from a bunch of possible ads where Recall suggests an ad based on what it has learned about you. Every thing would be local. Right now they are just preparing users for the idea of this happening. It makes sense that MSFT would want to do this. How many countries does MSFT encourage piracy of Windows because it is better for MSFT to have someone steal Windows than to find a cheaper alternative? Seems like the advertisements could become a source of revenue for MSFT where previously there was none.
Also, could you imagine uploading all the images to MSFT and running the AI processing on the images to learn what ads to send the user? Would be really expensive. Much cheaper to just download a massive block of potential ads to their computer and let the AI locally process the images and learn what ads to suggest.
lol @msft. "You might want to go back in time to see what you were doing, this is totally a feature that people would want." hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahhahaha hahahahahaha
Last edited by Highball on 23 May 2024 at 10:41 am UTC
Also, could you imagine uploading all the images to MSFT and running the AI processing on the images to learn what ads to send the user? Would be really expensive. Much cheaper to just download a massive block of potential ads to their computer and let the AI locally process the images and learn what ads to suggest.
lol @msft. "You might want to go back in time to see what you were doing, this is totally a feature that people would want." hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahhahaha hahahahahaha
Last edited by Highball on 23 May 2024 at 10:41 am UTC
4 Likes, Who?
Hey, wouldn't you want to upgrade your monkey vision with the state-of-the-art 30fps next-gen FullHD uberOLED pancake lensed cordless box of warm and fuzzy gaming joy? Step right up! We will screenshot your monitor forever, get your location, bio, medical and personal info in a secure place in a very professional manner. Get your NFT collection in order with microsoft's own copilot++ enabled and bing enhanced search on the blockchain technology in VR AR VRR 3D-accelerated app.
To hell with them. It seems that Big Tech is in some kind of degradation spiral, they sprint and stumble and crash into each other trying to deliver the most useless and invasive feature, but with all of the buzzwords of today.
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Liam, sorry for off-topic and kind of a personal question, but for the year or so you switched multiple distros as far as I can see. You tried fedora and endeavourOS if I remember correctly. I switched to endeavourOs partly because of you and the discussions here. Do you intend to share your experiences and thoughts on the state of the distros today and what was those things that kept you moving? Thanks!
Last edited by vox on 23 May 2024 at 10:51 am UTC
To hell with them. It seems that Big Tech is in some kind of degradation spiral, they sprint and stumble and crash into each other trying to deliver the most useless and invasive feature, but with all of the buzzwords of today.
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Liam, sorry for off-topic and kind of a personal question, but for the year or so you switched multiple distros as far as I can see. You tried fedora and endeavourOS if I remember correctly. I switched to endeavourOs partly because of you and the discussions here. Do you intend to share your experiences and thoughts on the state of the distros today and what was those things that kept you moving? Thanks!
Last edited by vox on 23 May 2024 at 10:51 am UTC
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I guess they will make bank of Gigacorps paying for it being disabled. I can already imagine the IT department and the management freaking out about this.
Last edited by dvd on 23 May 2024 at 10:53 am UTC
Last edited by dvd on 23 May 2024 at 10:53 am UTC
6 Likes, Who?
Quoting: voxLiam, sorry for off-topic and kind of a personal question, but for the year or so you switched multiple distros as far as I can see. You tried fedora and endeavourOS if I remember correctly. I switched to endeavourOs partly because of you and the discussions here. Do you intend to share your experiences and thoughts on the state of the distros today and what was those things that kept you moving? Thanks!I am currently on Kubuntu, it's stable and does what I need. I don't see the need to be on a constantly rolling distro, rolling always breaks too many little things for my tastes.
8 Likes, Who?
StoneColdSpider May 23
Finally it all makes sense now...... For decades when ive heard the name "Microsoft" the empire music from star wars would play in my head...... They truly are the evil empire.......
Just imagine the information Microsoft can gather with this AI and give it directly to the government(s) as part of Microsofts $5 billion deal with the Australian Government to bolster defence against cybercrime.......
Just imagine the information Microsoft can gather with this AI and give it directly to the government(s) as part of Microsofts $5 billion deal with the Australian Government to bolster defence against cybercrime.......
4 Likes, Who?
I almost posted about this on the forum last night, after watching this excellent video about it by Mutahar of SomeOrdinaryGamers on YouTube, funnily enough. Very relevant coverage for a Linux site, even if it is somewhat preaching to the choir!
I ditched Windows in 2004 (temporarily went to Mac OS X whilst waiting for Linux laptop support to improve to a level that suited me, which took a few more years), after numerous things about data-collection in Windows XP came to light (which I seem to recall wasn't disclosed or at least wasn't clear enough in the EULA, if I'm remembering right), which struck me as very untrustworthy and unsettling back then and prompted an immediate move away from it. It's long surprised me that people were willing to put up with that and with the way it's been ever since, but the technology being used against people today is even more frightening than it was back then.
I ditched Windows in 2004 (temporarily went to Mac OS X whilst waiting for Linux laptop support to improve to a level that suited me, which took a few more years), after numerous things about data-collection in Windows XP came to light (which I seem to recall wasn't disclosed or at least wasn't clear enough in the EULA, if I'm remembering right), which struck me as very untrustworthy and unsettling back then and prompted an immediate move away from it. It's long surprised me that people were willing to put up with that and with the way it's been ever since, but the technology being used against people today is even more frightening than it was back then.
Quoting: SzkodnixThe Year of Linux is near. I can feel it...It certainly feels like a perfect storm is brewing! I've suspected it would come to this since the days of Windows XP, and now here we are. It's taken too long.
Quoting: StoneColdSpiderFinally it all makes sense now...... For decades when ive heard the name "Microsoft" the empire music from star wars would play in my head...... They truly are the evil empire.......Now, that's a description I've not heard in a long time. A long time.
8 Likes, Who?
pleasereadthemanual May 23
I believe this feature requires an NPU chip. That might be a requirement for OEMs to have a Windows 11 certified computer now; I'm not sure.
What's more concerning is malware, as once they have administrative access, the attacker will have easy access to all of your data. Stuff you wouldn't have even thought was sensitive or important.
QuoteWhat happens if someone else gets access to your device? Lost, stolen, sold (and you forgot to wipe) and so on. If you get hacked, they'll end up seeing everything, it's another major attack point. Yeah great it's stored on your device, but people and companies get broken open all the time, malicious orgs will have a real party with your data. There's plenty of other times people may end up with access to your device to think about, I'm not going to list them all of course.This is why it's a good thing Microsoft made TPM a requirement and enabled Bitlocker by default, meaning all Windows 11 computers will be securely encrypted with Bitlocker. Even if your computer gets stolen, the hacker still needs to crack the password.
What's more concerning is malware, as once they have administrative access, the attacker will have easy access to all of your data. Stuff you wouldn't have even thought was sensitive or important.
QuoteOh wow, that sure sounds good for your privacy doesn't it. But don't worry it "does not take snapshots of certain kinds of content, including InPrivate web browsing sessions in Microsoft Edge" and "material protected with digital rights management (DRM)" is also protected. We can't have Netflix or Disney getting annoyed with it taking a shot of that movie you watched, nope.Microsoft would need to circumvent their own API that makes it impossible for the user to take screenshots of Netflix or Disney+. But, yeah, putting those two things together really does tell you who matters most to Microsoft.
QuoteBut, how far do we trust data being fed into a black-box AI that no one can really see what it's doing huh?Exactly zero.
4 Likes, Who?
Quoting: pleasereadthemanualI believe this feature requires an NPU chip. That might be a requirement for OEMs to have a Windows 11 certified computer now; I'm not sure.
QuoteWhat happens if someone else gets access to your device? Lost, stolen, sold (and you forgot to wipe) and so on. If you get hacked, they'll end up seeing everything, it's another major attack point. Yeah great it's stored on your device, but people and companies get broken open all the time, malicious orgs will have a real party with your data. There's plenty of other times people may end up with access to your device to think about, I'm not going to list them all of course.This is why it's a good thing Microsoft made TPM a requirement and enabled Bitlocker by default, meaning all Windows 11 computers will be securely encrypted with Bitlocker. Even if your computer gets stolen, the hacker still needs to crack the password.
What's more concerning is malware, as once they have administrative access, the attacker will have easy access to all of your data. Stuff you wouldn't have even thought was sensitive or important.
QuoteOh wow, that sure sounds good for your privacy doesn't it. But don't worry it "does not take snapshots of certain kinds of content, including InPrivate web browsing sessions in Microsoft Edge" and "material protected with digital rights management (DRM)" is also protected. We can't have Netflix or Disney getting annoyed with it taking a shot of that movie you watched, nope.Microsoft would need to circumvent their own API that makes it impossible for the user to take screenshots of Netflix or Disney+. But, yeah, putting those two things together really does tell you who matters most to Microsoft.
QuoteBut, how far do we trust data being fed into a black-box AI that no one can really see what it's doing huh?Exactly zero.
What mcirosoft didn't disclose with their TPM requirement is that breaking bitlocker of the TPM they required at first(hardware based) is so easy that a teacher suggested it as a project in my first year of embedded software engineering. This is the relevant trick..
Doesn't work for fTPM, but that only got allowed when it turned out that gamers with game pcs can be very loud.
6 Likes, Who?
Quoting: dvdI guess they will make bank of Gigacorps paying for it being disabled. I can already imagine the IT department and the management freaking out about this.
Upper management be like:
Finally! An easy way to measure "productivity"! No need to freak the
5 Likes, Who?
QuoteI'm not even what you may call a "privacy nut".
Although this is a common turn of phrase. It's time we removed the association of conspiracy theorist with a human right to privacy. In the early day's people were far more trusting of technology and saw it as largely altruistic and a benefit to society (which with opensource it still can be) but invariably the usual shadowy forces do their thing and here we are.
i don't feel like im a 'nut' i.e nutter <=> mentally unstable for wanting some privacy on my digital devices.
Last edited by Lofty on 23 May 2024 at 1:33 pm UTC
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Quoting: LoftyQuoteI'm not even what you may call a "privacy nut".
Although this is a common turn of phrase. It's time we removed the association of conspiracy theorist with a human right to privacy.
I agree.
Quoting: LoftyIn the early day's people were far more trusting of technology and saw it as largely altruistic and a benefit to society (which with opensource it still can be) but invariably the usual shadowy forces do their thing and here we are.
[bolding by me]
... but this does sound... conspirational.
2 Likes, Who?
Quoting: EikeQuoting: LoftyQuoteI'm not even what you may call a "privacy nut".
Although this is a common turn of phrase. It's time we removed the association of conspiracy theorist with a human right to privacy.
I agree.
Quoting: LoftyIn the early day's people were far more trusting of technology and saw it as largely altruistic and a benefit to society (which with opensource it still can be) but invariably the usual shadowy forces do their thing and here we are.
[bolding by me]
... but this does sound... conspirational.
Maybe they aren't out in public stood on a box selling you data viewable on a large screen but im perfectly happy to identify groups tucked away in some monolithic corporate box connected to a vast data center sharing deeply personal information about you or your loved ones to the highest bidder as shadowy forces.
To me that is the usual shadowy forces. i couldn't think of a better phrase as my "tin foil" hat is blocking the connection to my neural-link Ai brain feed.
if you cant think of a better turn of phrase then let me know.
Last edited by Lofty on 23 May 2024 at 1:34 pm UTC
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It's good that you need some "premium" AI accelerator for this to work, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they decided that it has been "so successful" (read: not enough people buy the hardware) that the less fortunate will get access too - using the power of the cloud, of course.
4 Likes, Who?
Quoting: LoftyQuoting: EikeQuoting: LoftyQuoteI'm not even what you may call a "privacy nut".
Although this is a common turn of phrase. It's time we removed the association of conspiracy theorist with a human right to privacy.
I agree.
Quoting: LoftyIn the early day's people were far more trusting of technology and saw it as largely altruistic and a benefit to society (which with opensource it still can be) but invariably the usual shadowy forces do their thing and here we are.
[bolding by me]
... but this does sound... conspirational.
Maybe they aren't out in public stood on a box selling you data viewable on a large screen but im perfectly happy to identify groups tucked away in some monolithic corporate box connected to a vast data center sharing deeply personal information about you or your loved ones to the highest bidder as shadowy forces.
To me that is the usual shadowy forces. i couldn't think of a better phrase as my "tin foil" hat is blocking the connection to my neural-link Ai brain feed.
if you cant think of a better turn of phrase then let me know.
Shadowy implies lack of transparency, which has really improved over the years.
The term forces dehumanizes them.
The "shadowy forces" call themselves "data brokers".
I would call them "privacy salesmen/salespeople(reliant on who I'm talking to)".
That having said. I'm not opposed to the term "privacy nut".
I've no issue with being the crazy one and it does get the point across.
1 Likes, Who?
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