Discover Enhanced Photo Organization: Microsoft Unveils People Grouping in OneDrive!

Microsoft’s OneDrive is adding a new feature that uses AI to recognize faces in photos and organize them accordingly. While some users welcome this, privacy advocates are raising eyebrows. Users can opt out of this feature, but only three times a year, which many find concerning.

I’ve tried this photo grouping feature on my mobile device, and others have reported seeing it too. According to Microsoft, it’s still in the testing phase and not yet available to everyone. Some believe this could pose privacy risks, prompting questions especially since it requires users to identify faces in photos—something not truly groundbreaking.

Interestingly, Microsoft has not explained why users can only change their settings a limited number of times. Privacy laws in different regions also complicate things. For instance, it took until July 2025 for Recall, another Microsoft feature, to be available in the European Economic Area due to strict data protection regulations.

Experts note that this limitation might not be in the user’s best interest. It puts control of data management in Microsoft’s hands rather than allowing users the flexibility they might want. The limitation could leave users uneasy about their privacy.

Removing the feature will erase all facial grouping data after 30 days. But it’s unclear how the “three times a year” rule works—is it based on the calendar year, or the year since the setting was changed?

While Microsoft assures us that it doesn’t use biometric data for AI training and that grouping information remains private, the very idea of AI organizing personal images can feel invasive. In a world increasingly concerned with data privacy, it’s crucial for users to stay informed and voice their opinions on features that affect their personal information.

If you’re interested in understanding more about technology and privacy concerns, the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) offers detailed insights on privacy issues related to digital services.



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