China's ‘Smart' AI Assistants Echoes Microsoft Recall's Privacy Flaws
If there's one idea the global artificial intelligence industry seems to agree on, it's this: intelligent agents are the next phase of AI. More than just chatbots, these tools are designed to plan, execute and assist across multiple domains. From OpenAI to China's Manus AI, developers are working toward smart AI assistants that can handle tasks autonomously — sometimes with minimal prompting.
But while much of the conversation in the West centers on technical benchmarks and API integrations, China's largest tech platforms are pursuing a different path. There, the rise of 'screen-aware' agents — AI assistants that can view, interpret and act based on what's displayed on your screen by asking the user to turn on your PC's assistive functions — represents a shift in how AI is being embedded into everyday computing.
One of the most notable examples is ByteDance's Doubao AI, a consumer-facing assistant that introduced a Screen Sharing Call feature last month. With the user's permission, the tool gains visibility over everything currently shown on the desktop during a voice interaction. It can read WeChat conversations, solve math problems on-screen, identify active applications and summarize video clips — all without switching context.
This design echoes Microsoft's now-infamous Recall feature, which was similarly built to help users remember on-screen activities by capturing snapshots. Microsoft faced strong public backlash last year and delayed the rollout twice, ultimately limiting it to local data storage and making it opt-in only when it announced earlier this month that it was rereleasing it.
Despite Recall's rocky start, this approach has signaled a broader trend in Chinese AI development — one focused on integrating agents directly into daily workflows by giving them wide-reaching visual context. While the technology promises to make assistants significantly more useful, it also raises serious and urgent questions about how AI developers are addressing privacy, consent and transparency.
The key technical enabler behind Doubao AI's feature is access to a system-level setting known as accessibility services. Originally designed to help users with disabilities, this permission grants apps the ability to view and interact with nearly all visual elements on the screen.
In practice, this means that once a user grants Doubao AI this permission, it can continuously observe what's happening on the desktop during a voice call. While the feature does request user consent, the language used is often technical, and the implications are not always clear. Unlike screen sharing in video calls — where users deliberately choose what to show — Doubao AI sees everything unless the user manually closes apps or disables the function.
What's more, the information interpreted by Doubao AI is uploaded to ByteDance's servers for processing. This introduces a second layer of consideration: What happens to that data, how is it stored and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse or unauthorized access?
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft corporate vice president, Windows and devices, speaks about Recall on May ... More 20, 2024.
So far, Doubao hasn't seen the same level of scrutiny that Recall did — at least not publicly. That may reflect differences in user expectations or regulatory maturity, but it also highlights how quickly powerful features can become normalized without broad public discussion.
Doubao isn't an outlier. Other Chinese developers are rolling out screen-aware capabilities as well. Zhipu AI's GLM-PC can carry out cross-application tasks on the desktop, while AutoGLM is focused on browser-based actions. Smartphone manufacturers like Xiaomi, OPPO, Honor and Vivo are embedding similar AI functions at the system level, often relying on accessibility permissions to parse visual content.
In some cases, these integrations happen with minimal user notification. OPPO's ColorOS privacy policy, for instance, notes that its Xiaobu assistant can use accessibility services to scan screen elements — without explicitly prompting the user or offering an opt-out. This low-friction approach increases usability, but it also shifts more responsibility onto users to understand what they've enabled.
Oppo store in Shanghai, China
From a product standpoint, it's easy to see the appeal. AI assistants that can 'see' the user's screen are able to provide more relevant, contextual help. They can summarize a document that's open, highlight unread messages or offer quick actions tied to what's currently displayed. In environments where fast interaction matters — such as mobile operating systems or productivity tools — screen awareness can be a significant feature advantage.
But it also raises structural questions about how digital consent is designed. If an AI assistant sees more than the user expects — or retains data longer than necessary — the balance between functionality and control can quickly shift.
The differing responses to screen-aware AI in China and the West reflect deeper contrasts in how AI is being developed and governed.
In the U.S. and Europe, AI assistants are typically sandboxed using formal APIs, explicit tool integrations and clear scopes of action. Developers emphasize consent mechanisms and often shape deployment timelines around public feedback — as Microsoft's Recall experience shows.
In China, the reliance on accessibility services and GUI-based interpretation allows for quicker integration across apps and platforms, but often with less granular control. It's a practical workaround to API fragmentation, and it accelerates product development. But the trade-off is that users may not fully understand what permissions they've granted — or how their data is being handled.
There are some signs of industry self-regulation. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has called for establishing standards for AI terminals, including a grading system and unified privacy frameworks. And the China Software Industry Association recently released guidelines on accessibility permissions, recommending limits on data access and greater transparency for users.
Still, these measures are early-stage and largely advisory. As more assistants adopt screen-sharing or screen-reading features, the need for clearer norms and accountability will only grow.
It's worth emphasizing: screen-aware assistants are not inherently problematic. Used carefully, they can enhance productivity, improve accessibility and simplify digital tasks. There are legitimate use cases for users who want AI support that adapts in real time to what's on screen.
But like any powerful feature, the impact depends on how it's implemented — and how well users understand it. The key challenges include:
Without clear answers to these questions, screen-sharing by default could become normalized before its implications are fully understood.
As AI assistants evolve into intelligent agents capable of multistep reasoning and cross-platform actions, visual context will almost certainly become part of their toolkit. Whether through screenshot-based models, accessibility hooks or integrated APIs, screen awareness adds a layer of intelligence that static inputs can't replicate.
The question is not whether this trend will continue — it will — but whether the industry builds the right infrastructure to ensure it's done responsibly.
China's deployment of these tools offers a preview of what's technically possible and where frictionless design can lead. It also provides a cautionary tale: powerful AI features introduced without transparency risk undermining trust just as AI enters more personal spaces.
Developers, regulators and users alike would benefit from treating screen-aware agents not as a niche product tweak but as a pivotal shift in how we interact with machines. If the smart AI assistant of the future is to be a true partner, it must be built on a foundation of clarity, respect and informed choice.
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- Los Angeles Times
Apple loses top AI models executive to Meta's hiring spree
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Shop the best Korean beauty deals during Amazon Prime Day 2025, per testing
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Advertisement But what truly sets it apart is its commitment to skin health over quick fixes. On Prime Day, that high standard of skincare suddenly becomes refreshingly affordable. Some of the industry's most beloved brands (think: COSRX, LANEIGE, medicube and Biodance) are offering discounts that make restocking your skincare arsenal practically guilt-free. With thousands of products on sale starting July 8 and through July 11, navigating the digital aisles of Amazon can feel overwhelming. That's where I come in with my high-powered list of high-powered favorites. I've sifted through the markdowns, scrolled past the not-so-greats and handpicked the absolute best K-beauty buys that are *actually* worth your time and money. From snail mucin-powered hydrators to barrier-boosting moisturizers and SPF that feels like silk, these K-beauty deals combine performance with sensorial pleasure. And, because Prime Day deals are sometimes fleeting, you should stockpile your cart before they're sold out. It's a limited window to glow up on a budget, and the clock is already ticking. Ahead, the top Korean beauty products on sale during Amazon Prime Day 2025 that deserve a fast track to your cart. Consider this your ultimate cheat sheet to achieving luminous, glass-like skin —without breaking the bank. Amazon Pros: Features a dual-textured design for truly targeted care Visibly improves skin clarity Hygienic packaging, perfect for travel Cons: Isn't as hydrating as some of medicube's other formulations, though not a dealbreaker Ah, yes, the one that started it all. These toner pads are legendary for a reason. They gently exfoliate with AHA and BHA, swipe away gunk you didn't even know was there, and somehow shrink your pores like magic. One pad equals being one step closer to glass skin. 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Size: 1.6 ounces | Key ingredients: Mineral water, Centella aslatica (for soothing) Amazon Pros: Offers a glass skin effect instantaneously Impressive on dry skin types Excellent value for the money Cons: May be too goopy and watery for some, though it's buildable Alas, we've arrived at the star of the show — the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence. It's probably the *lowest price ever*, too. Only $12? I'm there. If you've heard of only one product from the brand, it's likely this one. This was the first product I ever tried from years ago but, when I picked it up recently, it was just like old times. This product is some kind of miracle in a bottle, and I don't say that lightly. If there's anything you pick up from this list, let it be this product. It's the ideal serum to dab on after your cleanser and the most direct-hitting glass skin product I've tried from the brand at large. 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In a new twist for 2025, shoppers have 4 days to take advantage of Prime Day discounts. This sale starts on July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PT and runs through July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT. When does Prime Day end? Prime Day 2025 ends on July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so east-coasters have until about 3 a.m. on July 12 their time to shop the deals. Do you have to have Amazon Prime to shop Prime Day? Prime Day is a member-exclusive sale event. Interested shoppers can grab a 30-day free trial to try Prime, and its many benefits, with no strings attached. What are the best Prime Day deals? From reporting on Amazon sales throughout the years, we can tell you for certain that it's the ideal period to stock up on household essentials, score great deals on vacuums, tech and appliances, refill your skincare empties, and comb through the massive catalog of Amazon best-sellers. Is Prime Day worth it? We certainly think so! Prime Day is a great chance to score Black Friday-worthy discounts on thousands of deals, including everything from big ticket items to Post reader-favorite trash bags. Our team diligently sorts through all the offers to find you the very best items to grab on sale. When is the next Prime Day? Already wondering when the next Amazon Prime Day is? Prime Day takes place in July each year, so it's safe to assume it will take place in mid-July 2026 — similar to previous years. Can't wait to shop more Amazon deals? Look out for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, which typically runs in October for shoppers looking to beat the holiday rush of Black Friday. Don't miss Post Wanted's around-the-clock coverage. Click here to find all of the best deals. Use promo code NYPOSTAB10 to save 10% on top of Prime Day deals. Valid on these ASINs only from July 8 through 11 at 11:59pm PST, for Prime members on (US region). This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
Yahoo
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Novata Announces Collaboration with Microsoft to Scale Sustainability Solutions for SMEs Globally
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