Microsoft pulled Recall from its planned June 18, 2024 release, shifting it to the Windows Insider Program after overwhelming backlash from security researchers, privacy advocates, and regulators.
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Key Facts:
Original launch: June 18, 2024
Action taken: Pulled entirely, moved to Insider testing
Reason: Security flaws, regulatory pressure, media backlash
Promises made: Opt-in activation, encryption, biometric auth
Original launch: June 18, 2024
Action taken: Pulled entirely, moved to Insider testing
Reason: Security flaws, regulatory pressure, media backlash
Promises made: Opt-in activation, encryption, biometric auth
The backlash was swift: security researchers demonstrated trivial database exfiltration, the UK ICO announced formal inquiries, and media headlines called it a "privacy nightmare." Microsoft committed to making Recall opt-in, adding encryption, and requiring biometric authentication before any future release.
Sources: BleepingComputer · Windows Blog
