The 'photographic memory' feature of Microsoft's new AI computers could be a privacy nightmare, AI advisor warns

• Privacy campaigners are concerned about Microsoft's Recall feature for its new Copilot+ PCs.
• The UK data watchdog is also making inquiries with Microsoft about the feature.
• Microsoft says the Recall feature is optional, and the data is only stored locally.

Privacy campaigners are raising the alarm about Microsoft's Recall feature for its upcoming Copilot+ PCs.

The Recall feature, which Microsoft has likened to giving PCs a "photographic memory," can take screenshots of a user's laptop every few seconds. The snapshots are encrypted, and Microsoft says users can choose which snapshots Recall collects. The feature can also be turned off.

The feature has already caught the attention of the Information Commissioner's Office, the UK data watchdog. A spokesperson told Business Insider that the office was "working with Microsoft to understand the safeguards in place to protect user privacy."

The spokesperson said: "We expect organizations to be transparent with users about how their data is being used and only process personal data to the extent that it is necessary to achieve a specific purpose. Industry must consider data protection from the outset and rigorously assess and mitigate risks to peoples' rights and freedoms before bringing products to market."

Microsoft representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider made outside normal working hours.

However, the company told the BBC that the Recall feature is an "optional experience" and that Microsoft is committed to privacy and security.

"Recall data is only stored locally and not accessed by Microsoft or anyone who does not have device access," Microsoft told the outlet.

The new feature has also raised eyebrows with privacy experts.

Kris Shrishak, an advisor on AI and privacy, told the BBC that the feature could be a "privacy nightmare."

"The mere fact that screenshots will be taken during use of the device could have a chilling effect on people," he said.

Several social media users also shared Shrishak's concerns.

Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk weighed in on the new feature, calling it a "'Black Mirror' episode" in an X post, adding that he planned to turn the feature off.