Signal Blocks Windows Screenshots for Enhanced Chat Privacy

Signal Enhances Privacy by Blocking Windows Screenshots

Signal has updated its Windows app to prevent system-level screenshots of chats, bolstering user privacy. This "screen security" setting is enabled by default on Windows 11 and aims to protect sensitive information from being captured.

Protecting User Privacy from Microsoft Recall

This update directly addresses concerns about Microsoft's Recall feature, which continuously captures screenshots to allow users to review past activities. While Microsoft paused Recall's rollout after initial backlash and later made it opt-in, Signal argues it still poses a privacy risk.

With Signal's new update, attempting to screenshot a Signal chat will result in a blank image. This prevents Recall from capturing potentially sensitive chat content.

Impact on Accessibility Features

Signal acknowledges that the screen security setting may impact the functionality of some accessibility features, such as screen readers. Users can disable the setting in Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security.

To prevent accidental disabling, Signal displays a warning prompt requiring confirmation before turning off screen security.

Signal's Call for Responsible AI Development

We hope that the AI teams building systems like Recall will think through these implications more carefully in the future. Apps like Signal shouldn’t have to implement a "one weird trick" in order to maintain the privacy and integrity of their services without proper developer tools.

Signal advocates for more responsible development of AI features like Recall, emphasizing the need for developer tools that prioritize user privacy.

For more information, read Signal's blog post.

Learn more about Microsoft's Recall feature and its testing through the Windows Preview Channel and the previous pause of its rollout due to backlash. The feature was initially announced at Microsoft Build 2024.