Signal has announced that it is rolling out an update to its Windows app that will prevent the system from taking screenshots, in order to safeguard the content displayed on the screen. This new feature, called “screen security,” is now automatically enabled on Windows 11, aimed at protecting users’ privacy from Microsoft’s Recall feature.
Last year, Microsoft faced backlash and temporarily halted the rollout of the Recall feature, which captures screenshots continuously to create a timeline of user activities. Despite making the feature opt-in and adding a pause option, Signal believes that sensitive content can still be captured. With the screen security setting enabled, attempting to take a screenshot will result in a blank screen being captured instead.
However, Signal has cautioned that enabling this setting may impact certain functions like screen readers. Users can disable the screen security option by navigating to Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security. A warning prompt will appear when attempting to turn off the setting, requiring confirmation to prevent accidental deactivation while adjusting other settings.
In a blog post, Signal expressed the hope that future AI development teams, such as those behind Recall, will consider the implications more carefully. The company believes that apps like Signal should not have to resort to implementing workaround solutions to maintain privacy and service integrity without proper developer tools.
The integration of this new screen security feature underscores Signal’s commitment to prioritizing user privacy and data protection. By proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities and enhancing security measures, Signal aims to provide a secure messaging platform for its users.
