Microsoft has delayed the release of the controversial Copilot "Recall" feature to provide a "rusted, secure, and robust experience for all customers," according to a blog post update on Thursday.
Microsoft has earlier changed the "Recall" feature into an opt-in amidst safety and cybersecurity experts warning people of hacking risks brought by using the feature.
The company claimed that it would "leverage the expertise" of its Windows Insider Community to improve the safety features of the tool.
Issues on the new Copilot feature first surfaced during Microsoft's introduced the new Copilot+ PCs system for Windows 11, which includes a tool that could remember have "seen or done on your PC."
Many users and news outlets have immediately branded the Copilot feature as "spyware" and a "hacker's dream come true" as more security and privacy risks surface from the tool.
microsoft recall sounds like a bad idea already.
— ripcache (@ripcache) May 21, 2024
this used to be called spyware, what happened? pic.twitter.com/La0sFP0Sa7
The company, in turn, has insisted that all data collected via the "Recall" feature will be stored offline while equipped with its top-of-the-line Microsoft Pluton security processor.
Microsoft did not provide a new release date for the "Recall" feature but can already be previewed via the Windows Insider Program.
How Does Microsoft's Recall 'Feature' Pose Security Risks?
Google Project Zero researcher James Forshaw earlier highlighted security concerns on the "Recall" feature.
According to Forshaw, hackers will be able to access all the screenshots the "Recall" feature saves into Windows devices just by rewriting a few file data.
This is in addition to the feature unable to perform content moderation, meaning that it can show people's passwords, credit card details, and other personal information through automated screenshots.
Microsoft Promises to Improve Security Operations
The "Recall" feature's delayed release follows after Microsoft promises to improve the company's security and safety culture against more cyberattacks.
Just hours before the company announced the rollout suspension of the new Copilot tool, Microsoft vice chair Brad Smith testified in front of the House Homeland Security Committee over commitments to improve the company's cybersecurity culture.
The committee has earlier released a scathing review of Microsoft following an investigation into a massive data breach last year that resulted in government data being accessed by foreign threat actors.
This is separate from another cyberattack reported earlier this year where hackers were able to steal the company's source code.
Amid growing government scrutiny, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been reported as telling the company to put security improvements as the "No. 1 priority."
