Brave Browser Blocks Microsoft Recall by Default, Citing Persistent Privacy Concerns

The widely recognized Brave Browser has recently announced that it will, by default, block Microsoft’s AI-powered Recall feature in Windows 11, citing concerns that Recall’s periodic screen captures may inadvertently expose users’ private content.

Recall in Windows 11 functions by periodically taking screenshots of the system, which are then processed by artificial intelligence to extract metadata and construct a searchable timeline. This allows users to swiftly locate specific files through keyword searches or by navigating the visual timeline.

The feature initially drew criticism from security researchers for lacking robust encryption measures. In response, Microsoft has since encrypted the collected data, restricting decryption to users authenticated via Windows Hello—an improvement that has modestly enhanced the feature’s overall security.

Nevertheless, Brave contends that the act of routinely capturing screenshots still poses a significant privacy risk. For instance, users browsing various websites may have their sessions unwittingly recorded and stored, a practice that clearly raises red flags from a privacy standpoint.

As a result, Brave has opted to block Recall entirely in both standard and private browsing modes. It achieves this by leveraging Microsoft’s own restriction that prohibits Recall from capturing content in private windows. Brave extends this logic to its standard windows by treating them as private, effectively rendering Recall unable to take any screenshots.

By default, Brave will disable Recall’s screenshot functionality. However, users who wish to allow it may do so by navigating to Brave’s settings and adjusting the relevant option under Settings > Privacy and security > Block Microsoft Recall.

It is worth noting that Recall remains in its preview phase within Windows 11. Brave has stated that it will reassess the functionality upon its official release and decide at that time whether to lift the restriction on Recall’s automated screen capturing.

Related Posts:

• Brave’s Hidden Extra: Users Unwittingly Get a VPN
• ChatGPT Introduces “Memory” Feature for Personalized Interactions
• Windows 11 Recall Adds Data Export for EU Users: Share Snapshots with Third Parties
• Five Security Vulnerabilities Added to CISA’s KEV Catalog
• Claude AI to Get ChatGPT-Like Memory: Personalized Responses & Contextual Recall Coming Soon