Signal Windows Update Blocks Screenshots - Privacy Focused

Signal Enhances Windows App Security Against Screenshot Capture

Signal has announced an update to its Windows application designed to safeguard displayed content by preventing the operating system from taking screenshots.

This new “screen security” feature is activated by default on Windows 11. It directly addresses privacy concerns related to Microsoft’s Recall functionality, unveiled previously.

Addressing Concerns About Microsoft Recall

Recall operates by continuously capturing screenshots of system activity, enabling users to revisit past on-screen content. This continuous capture raised privacy issues for Signal users.

Although Microsoft temporarily halted the initial rollout of Recall following user feedback, testing resumed in April via the Windows Preview Channel. Microsoft has since made Recall an opt-in feature and included a pause function.

Despite these modifications, Signal maintains that Recall still has the potential to capture potentially sensitive information.

How the New Screen Security Works

With the screen security setting enabled, attempts to take a screenshot will result in a blank image being captured. This effectively prevents visual data from being recorded.

Signal cautions that enabling this setting may impact the functionality of certain assistive technologies, such as screen readers.

Managing the Screen Security Setting

Users can disable the screen security feature through Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security.

A confirmation prompt will appear when attempting to deactivate the setting, requiring users to explicitly confirm their intention to prevent accidental disabling during other adjustments.

Signal’s Perspective on Future Development

Signal expressed hope that developers of AI-driven systems like Recall will more thoroughly consider privacy implications in future iterations. The company believes that applications prioritizing privacy, like Signal, shouldn’t require workarounds to ensure user data protection.

Signal advocates for the provision of appropriate developer tools to facilitate privacy-preserving development practices.