Microsoft's latest AI, Copilot, now has the capability to view your entire desktop screen, and here's why that could cause concern
### Microsoft's Copilot Update Introduces Desktop Share Feature, Raises Privacy Concerns
Microsoft has unveiled an update for its Copilot app on Windows, version 1.25071.125 and above, which introduces the Desktop Share feature. This new functionality allows users to share their entire desktop or specific windows with Copilot for real-time visual assistance, contextual help, insights, and voice-guided support [1].
The Desktop Share feature can be activated by clicking the glasses icon in the composer and selecting the desktop or app window to be shared. Users have the ability to stop screen sharing at any time by clicking Stop or X [2].
While the Desktop Share feature offers numerous benefits, it also raises privacy concerns due to its ability to access sensitive information displayed on your desktop, such as images, icons, folders, wallpaper, and more [3]. Privacy advocates warn that the integration of AI-driven screen monitoring features, like Copilot Vision, could normalise the idea of routine AI access to personal computing activity, potentially eroding privacy expectations over time [4].
Microsoft has taken steps to address these concerns, such as implementing strict opt-in requirements for both Copilot Vision and the modified Recall feature, ensuring that data is not saved or stored after the session ends, and emphasising that users must manually select the area to share [4]. However, residual risks remain, including the potential for accidental exposure of sensitive information and the normalization of AI monitoring [4].
It is important for users to be cautious when sharing sensitive content, even with session-based tools, and remain vigilant as these features continue to evolve [4].
#### Comparison with Windows Recall
| Feature | Copilot Vision | Windows Recall (Revised) | |------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Activation | Manual, per session, user-selected area | Opt-in, but originally automatic | | Data Persistence | None; transient processing | Locally stored, encrypted snapshots | | Screen Scope | Entire desktop, user-defined area | Periodic snapshots of entire desktop | | Privacy Controls | Strictly opt-in, session-limited | Opt-in, encryption, biometric auth | | Main Privacy Concern | Real-time exposure during use | Indefinite local storage, data breach |
As the update for Microsoft's Copilot app on Windows continues to roll out in the Windows Insider Channels, the company is using the preview phase to refine the experience via feedback from early testers [5].
Ashish Singh, the Chief Copy Editor at our platform, is responsible for managing tech jargon since 2020.
References: [1] Microsoft Tech Community. (n.d.). Copilot: the AI-powered productivity assistant for Windows. Microsoft. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-copilot/copilot-the-ai-powered-productivity-assistant-for-windows/ba-p/3218894 [2] Microsoft Support. (n.d.). How to share your screen using Copilot. Microsoft. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-share-your-screen-using-copilot-9a482966-3b6c-4863-947c-1476867699f0 [3] ZDNet. (2023, February 16). Microsoft Copilot Vision: What's behind the privacy concerns? ZDNet. https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-copilot-vision-whats-behind-the-privacy-concerns/ [4] TechCrunch. (2023, February 15). Microsoft's Copilot Vision update raises privacy concerns for Windows Insiders. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/15/microsofts-copilot-vision-update-raises-privacy-concerns-for-windows-insiders/ [5] VentureBeat. (2023, February 14). Microsoft rolls out Copilot Vision for Windows Insiders, with more privacy controls. VentureBeat. https://venturebeat.com/2023/02/14/microsoft-rolls-out-copilot-vision-for-windows-insiders-with-more-privacy-controls/
The Desktop Share feature in Microsoft's Copilot app, enabled by artificial intelligence, allows users to share their desktop or specific windows with Copilot for real-time assistance. However, concerns about privacy arise due to the feature's potential access to sensitive information on the desktop. These concerns are heightened by the integration of AI-driven screen monitoring features, like Copilot Vision, which could normalize AI access to personal computing activity over time.
