Signal has announced an update to its Windows app, introducing a new feature to prevent the system from taking screenshots, thereby safeguarding the displayed content. This “screen security” setting is activated by default on Windows 11.
The update aims to protect user privacy from Microsoft’s Recall feature, which was unveiled last year. Recall continuously captures system screenshots to allow users to revisit previous activities. Although Microsoft paused the rollout of Recall last year due to backlash, testing resumed in April through the Windows Preview Channel. The feature is now opt-in and includes an option to pause it, but Signal expressed concern that it still captures potentially sensitive content.
With the new screen security setting enabled, attempts to take a screenshot result in a blank screen display. Signal warned users that this setting might affect the functionality of screen readers. Users can disable the setting by navigating to Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security. Upon attempting to disable the option, users receive a warning and must click Confirm to finalize the action, ensuring the feature is not accidentally turned off while adjusting other settings.
Signal conveyed in a blog post that they hope AI development teams will consider these implications more carefully in the future, noting that apps like Signal shouldn’t need to implement unique measures to maintain privacy without adequate developer tools.
