Signal Adds Screen Security to Block Windows Recall Screenshots

In an era where privacy is paramount, Signal has taken a bold step to protect its users on Windows 11. The messaging app introduced a new "screen security" feature designed to block Microsoft's AI-powered Recall feature from capturing screenshots of user activity. Recall, which periodically snaps screenshots to create a "photographic memory" of your PC usage, has raised significant privacy concerns since its return.

Signal’s approach mimics the way digital rights management (DRM) protects streaming content by rendering the screen black when Recall attempts to capture it. This means that sensitive conversations and activities within Signal remain hidden from Recall’s intrusive screenshots.

However, this protective feature is not without trade-offs. Some accessibility tools, such as screen readers, may not function properly when screen security is enabled. Signal has thoughtfully designed the feature to be easy to disable but safeguards against accidental deactivation by requiring user confirmation and displaying warnings.

It’s important to note that screen security only protects the local machine where it’s enabled. It does not prevent other users in a chat from taking screenshots, highlighting the limits of this approach. Signal also points out that Microsoft’s Recall lacks developer controls to protect user privacy, making this DRM-like workaround the best available option for now.

Signal’s blog post goes further to call on operating system vendors like Microsoft to take greater responsibility for privacy. With AI features becoming more agentic and pervasive, app developers need tools to block OS-level AI from accessing sensitive data. Signal warns that if platforms fail to support privacy-preserving applications, it may have to reconsider their support.

This development underscores a broader industry challenge: how to balance AI innovation with user privacy protections. Signal’s screen security feature is a practical, immediate solution that empowers users today while spotlighting the need for systemic changes in OS design.

The feature is rolling out now and enabled by default for Windows 11 users of Signal, marking a significant milestone in privacy-first messaging on desktop platforms.