Concerns About Microsoft's New 'Recall' Feature in Windows 11

Introduction

• Microsoft is increasingly making it evident that Windows has spyware capabilities.
• The company is now promoting these features as beneficial.

Assumptions About Proprietary Software

• Proprietary Software and Spyware: Assumed that any software without open-source code could be spyware.
• Even open-source software can have vulnerabilities (e.g., XZ backdoor).
• Microsoft's advertising in the OS indicates a financial incentive for spyware.

Microsoft's New 'Recall' Feature

• Recall Feature: Uses AI to track and record everything done on the desktop OS.
• Records history of actions, takes screenshots every 5 seconds if content changes.
• Performance Requirements: Requires 16GB RAM, 8 logical processors, 256GB storage, and ideally a dedicated neural processing unit.

Comparisons to Older Systems

• Historical Context: Windows XP had much lower requirements (128MB RAM, 2GB free space, 300MHz processor).
• Bloat in Modern Systems: Modern Windows OS has increased requirements due to added features like AI.

Skepticism About AI Features

• AI or Just Screenshots?: Recall is essentially screenshots taken at intervals, similar to Remote Access Trojans.
• Feature marketed as AI to attract consumers.

Privacy Concerns

• Local Storage: Microsoft claims screenshots are stored locally for privacy and faster results.
• Theoretical Privacy: Stays local, no need to trust remote servers.
• Proprietary Software Issues: Still problematic as software is proprietary.

Microsoft Pluton Security Processor

• Pluton Chip: Similar to Intel's Management Engine, but connected to Microsoft’s cloud.
• Government Control: Likely to exercise control over PCs at request of government.
• Client-side Scanning: Could be used for client-side scanning and restricting app usage.

Recommendations

• Avoiding Co-Pilot Plus PCs: Important to avoid for privacy concerns.
• Alternative Options: Older PCs like ThinkPad T61, refurbished and sold with Linux, offer more privacy.
• Purchasing Securely: Use untraceable payment systems like Monero.

Conclusion

• Stay aware of privacy issues with modern OS features.
• Consider alternatives that prioritize user freedom and privacy.