Microsoft denies it's collecting user data in Word and Excel

Microsoft emphasized, "We do not use customer data to train LLMs," clarifying concerns over the alleged use of Office user data for AI. Instead, training focuses on Copilot, Bing, and MSN data, promoting opt-out options for user privacy.

In addressing concerns about data usage, Microsoft explained that their setting concerning connected experiences extends functionality without directly pulling Office user data for AI. This data is aimed primarily for sharing with external capabilities, like OneDrive translations.

The 'connected experiences' setting allows users to control data sharing with external services, giving IT teams a tool to manage how data interacts with other applications. Users can turn this off easily via their privacy settings.

For those who opt to share data, Microsoft guarantees that identifying information will not be linked with the data used in AI training, and it reassures users that data from minors is excluded from any AI training.

Read at Techzine Global