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Microsoft Rolls Out New OneDrive Photos App With Facial Recognition

Created at 29 Jul · 10:36 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Microsoft is quietly releasing a new OneDrive Photos app for Windows 11 PCs that automatically indexes local images and offers AI-powered search and optional facial grouping. The app's rollout via Windows Update has raised privacy concerns, particularly regarding the handling of biometric data.

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Key Numbers

4GBGemini Nano AI model size

Who's Involved

Microsoft
rolling out new OneDrive Photos app for Windows 11
Windows Latest
industry publication that first spotted the app's rollout
Google
began downloading Gemini Nano AI model to eligible Chrome installations
Microsoft Rolls Out New OneDrive Photos App With Facial Recognition

↳ Why This Matters

The integration of AI-powered facial recognition and data indexing into a core Windows application raises significant privacy concerns for users, especially given the potential for biometric data collection and the method of distribution via automatic updates.

Key facts

  • Microsoft is releasing a new OneDrive Photos app for Windows 11.
  • The app indexes local photos and offers AI-powered search capabilities.
  • It includes an optional facial grouping feature that requires user opt-in.
  • The app is distributed via Windows Update or existing OneDrive client updates.
  • Users must uninstall OneDrive entirely to remove the OneDrive Photos app.

Microsoft is introducing a new application called OneDrive Photos to some Windows 11 users, which automatically indexes local image libraries and incorporates AI-driven search functionalities, including an optional facial recognition feature. This rollout, which appears to be happening through Windows Update or updates to the existing OneDrive client, has drawn attention due to privacy implications, particularly concerning the handling of biometric data.

The OneDrive Photos app can identify and present images stored directly on a user's computer, even if they are not logged into a Microsoft account. Upon signing in, users gain access to AI-powered search capabilities that allow them to find photos using natural language queries and optical character recognition. Additionally, the app features an optional 'People' function designed to group similar faces. Microsoft states that this feature is user-specific, not shared with third parties, and can be disabled. However, the company acknowledges that facial data may be considered biometric information in certain regions, necessitating user opt-in for this feature.

This development follows a pattern of AI features being integrated into operating systems and software through routine updates. Notably, Google recently began distributing its Gemini Nano AI model to eligible Chrome installations. The introduction of OneDrive Photos also echoes past privacy concerns, such as the backlash Microsoft faced two years prior over its AI-powered Recall feature, which was subsequently made opt-in by default. Currently, the OneDrive Photos app is integrated with the existing OneDrive client and cannot be uninstalled separately; users must remove OneDrive entirely to uninstall the Photos app.

Frequently asked questions

It is a new application for Windows 11 that indexes local photos, offers AI-powered search, and includes an optional facial grouping feature.

The app is rolling out via Windows Update or updates to the existing OneDrive client, rather than as a separate download.

Yes, facial data may be considered biometric information, and users must opt in. The feature is user-specific and not shared with third parties.

No, the app is tied to the OneDrive client and must be removed by uninstalling OneDrive entirely from Windows.

What Happens Next

01Microsoft may provide further comment on the app's features and privacy controls.
02Users will continue to discover the app through Windows updates.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Microsoft is rolling out a new OneDrive Photos app to some Windows 11 PCs.
The app indexes local photo libraries and adds AI-powered search and optional facial grouping.
The rollout follows Microsoft's broader push to integrate AI features into Windows.
The app can detect and display local images even without a Microsoft account sign-in.
AI-powered search uses natural language queries and optical character recognition.
An optional People feature groups similar faces, visible only to the user and not shared with third parties.
Facial data handling requires user opt-in due to potential biometric data classification.
The app is tied to the existing OneDrive client and cannot be removed independently.

Sources

T1
Microsoft Quietly Adds New Windows App That Wants to Scan Your FaceDecrypt

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