Windows 10: AdGuard will also block Windows Recall to protect users

AdGuard is the latest app that is blocking Windows Recall. Brave Browser and Signal have already announced an option in their apps to block the controversial feature.

AdGuard calls Windows Recall a Privacy Concern. That's putting it mildly. Microsoft claims it is privacy-friendly, and that it is not enabled by default. It requires Windows Hello and a PIN for authentication, and that the data is encrypted and stored locally on the PC. But it remains to be seen whether it is fool-proof from malware or backdoors.

What if it accidentally captures screenshots that contain personal data or financial information? Given the sensitive nature of information that is at stake, the risk is too great to ignore. That's why apps are blocking Recall, to protect users. AdGuard warns that while Windows Recall is now only available on Copilot+ PCs, such computers may become mainstream in the future.

AdGuard for Windows already has a bunch of settings that are designed to block tracking on Windows such as Windows Telemetry, Advertising ID, etc. The content blocker has published an article that instructs users how to toggle Tracking Protection, which will also block Windows Recall. But this means the option is not enabled by default.



Both Brave and Signal block Windows Recall by default, why doesn't AdGuard do the same? Well, Brave and Signal will only prevent Recall within their own app, the setting doesn't affect other apps. AdGuard's setting works system-wide, as in it disables Windows Recall completely, it will block Recall from capturing screenshots in every app, desktop, etc. If a user does not enable Recall, is this option necessary in AdGuard? In theory, it shouldn't make a difference. It may be useful for users who don't know whether Windows Recall is enabled or disabled. That's the thing, Recall is opt-in now, who's to say it will remain so in the future?

I think it's important that apps are taking a stand against Windows Recall, hopefully more developers will introduce similar options to protect their users.

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