Signal has introduced a new update for its Windows app, targeting enhanced privacy by preventing screenshot captures. This “screen security” feature, now active by default on Windows 11, is a defensive measure against Microsoft’s Recall feature. Recall, introduced last year, continuously records screenshots to help users revisit past activities.
Although Microsoft temporarily halted Recall’s deployment due to privacy concerns, the feature re-emerged in April via the Windows Preview Channel. Now optional, Recall includes a pause function, but it still captures potentially sensitive content.
With Signal’s update, any attempt to take a screenshot while screen security is enabled results in a blank screen, ensuring greater privacy. However, Signal warns that enabling this setting may affect certain functionalities, like screen readers. Users can adjust this setting by navigating to Signal’s settings under Privacy, then Screen Security. Disabling this option prompts a confirmation to prevent accidental changes.
Signal emphasized the importance of thoughtful development, expressing hope that AI teams will consider privacy implications more carefully, so apps like theirs won’t need to resort to unique measures to protect user data.
