Signal, the popular privacy-focused messaging app, just announced a new update to its Windows app that helps keep your chats even more secure.
The update introduces a new feature called “screen security” that stops your computer from taking screenshots of the app.
This change is turned on by default for people using Windows 11.
Why the update? Signal is taking action to protect users from a Microsoft feature called Recall. Microsoft’s Recall tool takes constant screenshots of your screen so you can look back and see what you were doing at any time. While it might sound useful, many people have raised privacy concerns, especially if sensitive information is shown.
Microsoft had paused the feature last year after backlash, but it started testing it again this April. Although Recall is now opt-in and can be paused, Signal says it can still capture private data without users fully realizing it.
With the new screen security setting in Signal, if you try to take a screenshot of the app, all you’ll see is a blank screen. This helps stop tools like Recall from saving what’s on your screen.
Signal also added a warning if you try to turn this feature off. You’ll have to confirm before it’s disabled, just to avoid accidentally making your chats less secure.
The company did point out one drawback: some features, like screen reader,s might not work properly when screen security is on. You can find the setting in Signal > Settings > Privacy > Screen security.
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In a blog post, Signal took a jab at Microsoft, saying:
“Apps like Signal shouldn’t have to implement a ‘one weird trick’ just to stay private.”
