Brave Moves to Auto-Block Windows Recall by Default

The controversy around Microsoft’s Recall feature—an AI-powered tool that stores snapshots of user activity for later recall—intensified in 2025 as privacy-focused browser Brave announced a new protective measure. Starting with version 1.81, Brave automatically blocks Recall from capturing browser tabs and private activity, treating all tabs as confidential. This change came after Microsoft was forced to make Recall opt-in following a wave of criticism from security researchers and advocacy groups. Brave’s move was widely praised by privacy advocates, who argued that users should not have to worry about their browsing histories being stored in AI memory logs. Microsoft responded by adding biometric unlock and on-device encryption to Recall, but skepticism remains. Other privacy-first apps such as Signal have taken similar positions, opting out of Recall integration entirely. Enterprise IT administrators also welcomed Brave’s decision, since it helps enforce data governance rules in sensitive industries. Despite the pushback, Microsoft is determined to improve Recall’s perception by framing it as a productivity booster rather than a surveillance tool. As of mid-2025, the debate around Recall shows no signs of slowing down.