Following worries about privacy and security, Microsoft said in a blog post on Thursday that it will no longer offer Recall, an artificial intelligence tool that analyses user activities, when the firm introduces the Copilot+ PC next week.

When the new machine is released on June 18, Recall will become a preview feature accessible exclusively through the Windows Insiders Programme, or WIP, according to a statement from the firm. Previously, Recall was a “broadly available” function. Microsoft intends to release the AI capability on all Copilot+ PCs shortly after receiving input from WIP.

“This decision is rooted in our commitment to providing a trusted, secure and robust experience for all customers,” Windows Corporate Vice President Pavan Davuluri wrote in the blog post.

On May 20, Microsoft unveiled the Copilot+ PC as a device meant to run sophisticated artificial intelligence apps, such as Recall. Recall is an artificial intelligence programme that records activities by taking screenshots on a regular basis and letting users browse through their past actions.

Recall was the subject of debate as soon as it was made public. Concerns have been raised by industry experts about the possibility that hackers may create instruments to get user data, such as passwords and usernames.

Microsoft first said that the Recall function would be opt-in only and would be turned off by default in reaction to the outcry.

The business has added other security measures, including as encrypting the search database and requiring Recall users to sign up for Windows Hello, which requires users to authenticate themselves using a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition.

Microsoft decided to postpone Recall in response to growing security concerns as artificial intelligence advances quickly. A review panel appointed by the US government last month expressed disapproval of the company’s response to China’s hacking of US government employees’ email accounts.

(Adapted from SCMagazine.com)