In a move reminiscent of a "Black Mirror" episode, Microsoft's new AI-powered computer history feature, Recall, is facing criticism from PC users and now an investigation by the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO, an independent public authority reporting to the UK Parliament, aims to ensure data privacy rights for individuals.

In a statement published on Wednesday, the ICO emphasized the importance of transparency and data protection. The office stated that organizations should inform users about how their data is being used and only process personal data if necessary for a specific purpose. It further highlighted the need for industry players to assess and mitigate risks to individuals' rights and freedoms before launching products.

As part of its investigation, the ICO is reaching out to Microsoft to gain insights into the safeguards in place to protect user privacy. The office's involvement reflects growing concerns surrounding the Recall feature's potential impact on data security and privacy.

Recall, similar to web browser history features, provides users with a comprehensive history of their activity on their entire computer. Utilizing AI, the feature takes screenshots of users' computer activity in the background throughout the day, creating a searchable index powered by scanned text and visuals from each capture. This allows users to retrieve past activities effortlessly.

While Microsoft ensures that the screenshots are stored locally on users' own devices, concerns have been raised regarding the accessibility of sensitive information like passwords, addresses, and health data to anyone with access to the files on the device. Cybersecurity experts have warned about the potential risks posed by hackers obtaining such data.

Furthermore, the continuous background operation of Recall raises concerns about the extent of data being stored, as users may be unaware of what exactly is being recorded. The lack of awareness increases the potential privacy implications of the feature.

The response from users, security professionals, and government officials will play a significant role in shaping the future of Microsoft's Recall feature. As inquiries continue, it becomes essential for Microsoft to address privacy concerns and provide explicit safeguards to protect user data, ensuring a safer and more trusted computing environment.

As Microsoft faces scrutiny over Recall, it is a reminder of the increasing importance of balancing technological advancements with robust privacy protection measures.