Microsoft introduces terrifying new AI tool, angers users

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) just took a shocking turn, one that seems to be terrifying consumers.

For many people, the AI revolution is reshaping entire industries and markets in a frightening way. Companies are creating the type of technology that science fiction writers have long predicted could overpower humanity.

💵💰Don’t miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet’s free daily newsletter 💰💵

Others are more worried about their jobs being rendered obsolete, as AI systems demonstrate clear abilities to perform human tasks with extreme precision. Companies have quickly moved to eliminate positions that center around tasks such as data entry and customer service.

One company that is helping usher in the next phase of AI is Microsoft  (MSFT) . But the tech leader recently released a controversial feature sparking strong concern among its user base, which seems extremely worried about the consequences.

Microsoft and CEO Satya Nadella have made a controversial decision to push forward with a new AI tool that has consumers worried. 

Image source: Ben Kriemann/Getty Images

Microsoft is bringing back a feature that didn’t succeed

Over the past few years, Microsoft has worked hard to remain competitive in the AI market as startups such as OpenAI and Anthropic have made significant advances. Its Copilot AI chatbot remains a popular choice among users, although it has not caught up with ChatGPT.

Recently, however, Microsoft has made multiple AI-related announcements that many consumers likely find frightening. Last week, it released a detailed report describing a future in which most teams of office workers are composed of AI agents managed by humans.

Related: Microsoft shares terrifying new use for AI

A few days ago, though, the company announced plans to bring back an AI tool that generated a lot of controversy the last time they tried to roll it out. Originally introduced in May 2024, Recall is a Windows 11 feature that can take a screenshot of everything a user does before indexing and storing it in a matter of seconds.

Concerns about security and privacy violations quickly rose, prompting the company to push back the launch, originally intended for June 2024. But a year later, Microsoft is pushing forward with its plans to bring Recall to its Copilot+ PCs.

In a recent statement, Microsoft attempted to frame Recall as a powerful new feature that can save users time by allowing them to search more efficiently. “You are always in control of what snapshots are saved and can pause saving snapshots at any time,” it promises users. However, this isn’t necessarily going to appease people’s anxiety.

“Even if User A never opts in to Recall, they have no control over the setting on the machines of Users B through Z,” Ars Technica reports. “That means anything User A sends them will be screenshotted, processed with optical character recognition and Copilot AI, and then stored in an indexed database on the other users’ devices.”

The outlet adds that this could allow the AI tool to collect any sensitive material from the user in question, which could include passwords, medical data, and messages sent through encrypted services. 

More Tech Stocks News:

Former big tech CEO has shocking take on NvidiaAlphabet unveils answer to major AI questionAnalysts reset Palantir stock forecast amid rally

Cyber expert Kevin Beaumont recently confirmed that Recall can capture messages sent through encrypted apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, even after they have been deleted.

“I would recommend that if you’re talking to somebody about something sensitive who is using a Windows PC, that in the future you check if they have Recall enabled first,” he advises.

The second Recall rollout might be any better

Beaumont’s point highlights an important underlying truth regarding Recall. It isn’t just PC users who may be at risk from this technology, it is anyone who communicates with them whose private messages may be stored.

Related: Analysts reset Microsoft stock target amid post-earnings rally

Encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal are popular because they offer users more privacy and allow them to exchange sensitive information and materials.

Now, if Microsoft moves forward with introducing Recall, these popular features could be compromised. Many social media users are voicing their displeasure at Microsoft’s decision, making it clear they do not approve.

“If I were to have a Windows PC, this would instantly void that device as trash material for me,” one Reddit user states. “Why would anyone let this literal spyware run on their device is beyond me.”

Another adds that they can’t see who might benefit from this, aside from “data brokers and cyber criminals,” who could certainly reap the benefits if they find a way to hack into the system. Other Reddit users have professed plans to switch over to using an Apple computer, citing the Recall news as the reason why. 

Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast