Why Is Microsoft’s AI Feature Recall Being Called A Security Failure?

Microsoft planned on taking on Apple with its AI-centric Copilot Plus PC models. When the computers were unveiled, Microsoft claimed that they managed to outperform Apple’s latest M3 MacBook Air. Now, a new ad campaign sought to further entice switchers away from the Mac.

It looks like, not all aspects of the Copilot Plus PCs are ready. The hallmark AI feature which the company previously showcased, Recall, has been exposed by an expert. It is being called a security disaster.

Recall was one of the most impressive aspects of Microsoft’s Copilot Plus PC presentation. It’s a feature that is capable of tracking everything users do on their computer at all times, and saves a record of it. Every click, every Zoom call, files viewed and deleted, all of it is saved with this feature.

Also Read: Google CEO Sundar Pichai Talks About AI Gaining Consciousness

Why Is Recall Being Called A Security Failure?

This AI system is capable of presenting users with whatever information they need about their past activity. Recall offers them a photographic memory of their PC life. Microsoft boasted its work to make sure the feature is private and secure; however, the feature’s claims have been convincingly disputed by a security expert who tried out the software.

This might not be good news for Microsoft, but hopefully the company will take immediate action to address Recall’s security issues, even if it means delaying the feature’s public release drastically. As Beaumont’s research highlights, these security issues could prove to be a disaster for the company, and its users, if they begin spreading to a broad audience of Copilot Plus PC users.

This report comes right before Apple’s WWDC event, where the company is expected to release several privacy-focused features. The company has always positioned itself as prioritizing user privacy, and now with iOS 18, it has a chance to further cement its status in the age of AI.

Also Read: OpenAI To Pay $250 Million To Use News Corp’s Content In ChatGPT

Microsoft Not Happy With ChatGPT Features Coming To iOS 18

Apple is also said to be adding several AI features to the OS, as it's lagging behind its competitors in the field of AI. To do so, Apple has reportedly resorted to third-party partnerships to power some of these features. As a result, OpenAI’s ChatGPT could be backing Siri and other AI features on iOS 18, and Microsoft seems worried about it.
 
 

According to a report by The Information, Apple has been internally testing a version of Siri that depends on ChatGPT. The company is reportedly not ready to introduce its chatbot yet, pushing it to seek help from third parties. However, the company could use its LLMs to back the less demanding iOS 18 features, such as on-device summarization.