Since the launch of our new generative AI features in products like Copilot, we’ve received valuable feedback on what you enjoy and what you’d like to see more of in the future. A recurring theme is the desire for AI experiences that are seamlessly personalized, well-integrated, and consistent across different platforms.
We’re excited by this feedback and are committed to creating exceptional AI experiences for everyone. Central to this commitment is our dedication to earning your trust through transparency, accountability, and giving you control over your data. That’s why we’re announcing some upcoming changes in how we’ll use consumer data, as well as our approach to ensuring that users always remain in control.
Using Consumer Data for Training: Soon, we will begin using data from Copilot, Bing, and Microsoft Start (including data from interactions with advertisements) to train our generative AI models. This change leverages real-world consumer interactions to provide more diverse and comprehensive training data. We believe this will lead to more inclusive and relevant products, enhancing the user experience for everyone. For instance, our AI models can learn from aggregated thumbs up/thumbs down feedback to generate better responses. They can also pick up colloquial phrases and local references from Copilot conversations, and understand broad consumer interests through Microsoft advertising segments, which will help deliver more relevant content.
Opt-Out Options: We will provide straightforward ways for consumers to opt out of having their data used for AI training, with clear notices in Copilot, Bing, and Microsoft Start. These opt-out controls will be available starting in October, and we will not use any consumer data for training until at least 15 days after notifying users that these controls are available.
In summary, we will always ask for your consent first, and put you in control.
These changes will only affect consumers signed into their Microsoft Account. Users will continue to have control over their data, and there are no changes to the existing options for managing how their data is used to personalize Microsoft services. Additionally, these changes pertain only to training our generative AI models in Copilot and do not affect the existing use of consumer data as detailed in the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
We will roll out these updates gradually across different markets to ensure compliance with global privacy laws and to fine-tune the process for consumers. For example, this setting will not be available, and no training on consumer data will occur in the European Economic Area (EEA) until further notice. For more details, please refer to our FAQ.
When we start using consumer data for training, we will adhere to the following data protection commitments:
Data Anonymization: Before training our AI models, we will remove any information that could identify you, such as names, phone numbers, device or account identifiers, sensitive personal data, physical addresses, and email addresses.
Privacy and Data Security: Your data will remain private when you use our services and will not be disclosed without your consent. Generative AI models do not store training data nor reuse it to generate responses. Our models are continuously evaluated for privacy and safety, and we use filters to screen out previously published or used content. We will protect your personal information as outlined in the Microsoft Privacy Statement and in line with global privacy laws.
Exclusion of Data from Minors: We will only use data from consumers who indicate they are 18 years or older for training our AI models.
These changes do not affect how Microsoft manages commercial customer data. More information on our handling of commercial data can be found here.
We are committed to maintaining your trust. We will continue to protect your data and be transparent about our data usage practices. If we plan further changes in how we use consumer data for training our AI models, we will communicate them openly and ensure that consumers remain in control and have the choice to opt-out.
