Elon Musk has encouraged Windows users to disable a contentious new AI function that he compares to “a Black Mirror episode”.
The Tesla CEO was eager to voice his opinion on Microsoft’s newest upgrade to Windows 11 devices this summer, citing concerns that it may resemble a near-future dystopia.
Known as Recall, the new artificial intelligence function will snap screenshots of anything on-screen, allowing users to go back in time and continue work on anything from the previous month.
AI can analyze text and images in screenshots to help you discover what you’re searching for, yet it’s only available on a select few new Copilot+ PCs.
GB News reports that users will be able to search for anything, including words, persons, animals, and locations, without knowing the precise name of a document or website.
Recall is not activated by default, but users are asked whether they want to utilize the AI, thus it has been included.
According to Microsoft’s Chief Marketing Officer, Yusuf Mehdi, Recall is similar to “having photographic memory.”
The US corporation also said that consumers “are always in control, with privacy you can trust.”
Musk was quick to express his worries on social media after learning about Microsoft’s newest release.
In reaction to a video of Microsoft’s Managing Director, Satya Nadella, boasting about the advantages of Recall, he took to X (previously Twitter) and announced he is “definitely turning this ‘feature’ off”.
He also likened it to an episode of Black Mirror, a program set in near-future dystopias that uses sci-fi technology.
Users on his social media network reacted quickly to the message.
“So there’s a built-in screen recorder. “Because that is not a security risk,” said one.
“Did the CIA come up with this?” another said.
“Uhhhh, sounds like surveillance repackaged as a feature,” said a third.
A fourth individual regarded it as “a huge invasion of privacy”.
Musk is not the only one who has expressed reservations about the latest Windows version.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) acknowledged to the BBC that it was “making inquiries with Microsoft to understand the safeguards in place to protect user privacy”.
The data protection regulator also said that private enterprises must “rigorously assess and mitigate risks to peoples’ rights and freedoms” before introducing new items to the market.
Microsoft has been eager to reassure PC users about Recalls capabilities, saying that it would never capture screenshots when in private browsing mode.
Artificial Intelligence explained
Here’s what you need to know
- Artificial intelligence, also known as AI, is a type of computer software
- Typically, a computer will do what you tell it to do
- But artificial intelligence simulates the human mind, and can make its own deductions, inferences or decisions
- A simple computer might let you set an alarm to wake you up
- But an AI system might scan your emails, work out that you’ve got a meeting tomorrow, and then set an alarm and plan a journey for you
- AI tech is often “trained” – which means it observes something (potentially even a human) then learns about a task over time
- For instance, an AI system can be fed thousands of photos of human faces, then generate photos of human faces all on its own
- Some experts have raised concerns that humans will eventually lose control of super-intelligent AI
- But the tech world is still divided over whether or not AI tech will eventually kill us all in a Terminator-style apocalypse
Separate exceptions can also be added to specific applications where the feature won’t apply.
Microsoft also said that Recall would not edit or delete information from screenshots it collects, even if passwords or bank account information are displayed on screen.
Dr Kris Shrishak, an AI and privacy expert, feels the AI function might have a “chilling effect” on individuals.
He informed the BBC. “This might become a privacy nightmare.
“The mere fact that screenshots will be taken during use of the device could have a chilling effect on people.”
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