Let’s talk about Security & Trust with Copilot Chat so that you can kick-start your AI journey with confidence.
We are a managed service provider (msp).AI (Artificial Intelligence) platforms have been the talk of the year.
And as exciting as it all is, we’ve noticed that many people have concerns around how their privacy and security are handled when using such new technology.
People are asking questions like:
• Is it safe to use?
• Where does my data go?
• Can someone else see what I type?
• Will my information be used to train the AI?
Since Microsoft introduced their AI platform, Copilot, we started using it internally. We wanted to understand how it works and what Microsoft have done to ensure our sensitive information stays safe.
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to use, especially in a work setting, this blog is for you.
Is Copilot Chat Safe to Use?
Yes! Microsoft has taken clear steps to make Copilot Chat safe and secure for its users.
Your Data Stays Protected
When you use Copilot Chat with your Microsoft 365 work account, your prompts and responses are processed within Microsoft’s secure environment. This means:
- Your conversations are not shared with other users and are never made public.
- Your data is not used to train the AI model unless you explicitly opt in. You can change this setting at any time.
- Everything happens inside the Microsoft 365 service boundary, which includes enterprise-grade protections like encryption and access controls.
- Your conversation history is saved for up to 18 months, but you can delete individual chats or your entire history whenever you like.
What Happens If You Upload a File?
If you upload a document, spreadsheet, or other file into Copilot Chat, for example, to ask it to summarise or rewrite something, here’s what happens:
- The file is stored securely for up to 30 days, then automatically deleted.
- Your uploaded files are not used to train the AI, even if you’ve opted into model training for conversations.
- You can delete any related conversation at any time, and Microsoft will not retain or reuse your content beyond your session.
In short: Uploading a file into Copilot Chat does not make it publicly available. It stays private to your session and is securely handled.
What About Web Search?
Copilot Chat sometimes uses web grounding. This means it sends a few keywords from your prompt to Bing to help find relevant information. But here’s the important part:
- These searches don’t include your name, email, or company details.
- They’re sent through a secure connection.
- Microsoft applies extra protections to make sure nothing sensitive is exposed.
You’re in Control
You decide what Copilot Chat sees. Copilot Chat only works with the content you choose to share; it doesn’t automatically access your company’s files, emails, or meetings. You stay in charge.
And while you have full control, you don’t have to figure it all out alone!
We’re here to help you get the most out of Copilot. Our education series breaks down what Copilot is and how it can make your workday easier, from simplifying admin tasks to boosting your productivity.
Keep an eye out for our next post, where we’ll introduce Copilot and share a few easy ways to help you begin your AI journey with confidence.
For the time being – we recommend you start using it.
PLEASE NOTE: If you’re using Copilot Chat with a personal Microsoft account, be aware that it does not include the same enterprise-level protections as when signed in with a work account. For business use, it’s best to sign in with your work account to ensure your data stays secure.
COMING UP:
- What is Microsoft Copilot and Which Version is Right for You?
- Prompting the Right Way!
- Data Safety with Copilot