Archive · 22 May 2025
Signal Rolls Out Security to Block Microsoft Recall Screenshots
Signal, a messaging app, is now protecting your chats from being spied on by Microsoft's new feature, Recall, which takes screenshots of everything you do.
Because Microsoft’s Recall takes continuous screenshots to help you find things you did on your computer, Signal made a new feature called Screen Security.
This new feature uses a special code, like the one used by Netflix, to prevent Microsoft’s tool from capturing screenshots of Signal.
Signal made this feature enabled by default and is designed to protect user privacy, but you can turn it off in the settings, though you will get a warning.
This action was taken because Signal wasn't given the tools to stop Recall from accessing Signal chats.
Signal implemented a new Screen Security feature to prevent Microsoft's Recall from taking screenshots of the app.
The feature is a response to concerns about user privacy with Microsoft's Recall, which tracks user activity with screenshots.
Screen Security uses a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag, similar to streaming services, to block screenshots.
The feature will be enabled by default on Windows 11 devices after the update.
Users can disable Screen Security in Signal's settings, but a warning appears regarding potential privacy implications.
- Who
- Signal developed the feature to protect its users from Microsoft's Recall.
- What
- Signal implemented Screen Security to block Microsoft's Recall feature from taking screenshots of its app.
- When
- The feature was implemented recently with the Signal update.
- Where
- The feature applies to Signal on Windows 11.
- Why
- To protect user privacy because Microsoft's Recall feature takes screenshots of user activity.
Signal
Microsoft
Privacy vs. Functionality
Signal
Signal prioritized user privacy by blocking Recall's screenshot functionality due to privacy concerns.
Microsoft
Microsoft's Recall offers functionality by tracking user activity. Microsoft now made it an opt-in feature.
- Company
- Signal
- Feature Name
- Screen Security
- Purpose
- Block screenshots from Microsoft Recall
- Platform
- Windows 11
- Technology Used
- DRM flag
- Default Setting
- Enabled