No, Microsoft isn’t using your Office docs to train its AI

Microsoft Clarifies AI Training Practices Amidst Customer Data Concerns

Microsoft says it isn’t using customer data from its Microsoft 365 apps to train its AI models. The clarification addresses reports circulating online in the last few weeks claiming Microsoft required Word and Excel users to opt out of training the company’s AI systems.

Confusion Arises from Microsoft Office Settings

The confusion arose from a privacy setting in Microsoft Office that toggles “optional connected experiences” — a feature that helps users “search for online pictures” or “find information available online,” according to Microsoft. This toggle is switched on by default, and fails to mention AI training in the disclosure. Similarly, a Microsoft learning document posted on October 21st, 2024 seems to have contributed to the confusion by describing a long list of connected experiences in Office that “analyze your content” without explicitly excluding AI training.

Microsoft’s Official Statement

“In the M365 apps, we do not use customer data to train LLMs,” the Microsoft 365 X account said, responding to claims. “This setting only enables features requiring internet access like co-authoring a document.” Microsoft’s communications head Frank Shaw also chimed in on Bluesky to debunk the claims.

A Trend of Concerns over AI Training

The Adobe and Microsoft incidents suggest that people are increasingly concerned with their personal data being used by tech companies to train their AI models without express permission. It’s an understandable concern given companies like Meta, X, and Google opt their users into AI training by default, and the vast quantities of online content being scraped for that purpose.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s clarification on AI training practices is a welcome move, as it addresses concerns over the use of customer data for AI model training. As the tech industry continues to grapple with the implications of AI, it’s crucial for companies to be transparent about their practices and respect user data.

FAQs

Q: Is Microsoft using customer data to train its AI models?

A: No, according to Microsoft’s official statement, the company does not use customer data to train its AI models.

Q: What is the purpose of the “optional connected experiences” feature in Microsoft Office?

A: This feature helps users “search for online pictures” or “find information available online,” according to Microsoft.

Q: Why did the confusion arise?

A: The confusion arose from the lack of explicit mention of AI training in the disclosure and the unclear description of the “optional connected experiences” feature.

Q: What does Microsoft’s official statement say about AI training?

A: According to the statement, Microsoft does not use customer data to train LLMs, and the “optional connected experiences” setting only enables features requiring internet access like co-authoring a document.