What you need to know
- Microsoft was accused of using data from Word documents and Excel spreadsheets to train AI models earlier this week.
- The tech giant has denied the rumors, stating, “In the M365 apps, we do not use customer data to train LLMs. This setting only enables features requiring internet access like co-authoring a document.”
- Many were concerned about rumors because private and sensitive data is often placed in documents and spreadsheets.
- Microsoft’s past surrounding training AI models, including a new LinkedIn feature that allows the company to train models using data from the social media platform, likely contributed to people assuming the worst from the company.
As a tech enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this latest Microsoft controversy has me scratching my head more than usual. On one hand, it’s understandable that people would be worried about their sensitive data being used to train AI models, especially given the nature of documents and spreadsheets.
This week, there has been talk that Microsoft might be utilizing private data from apps like Word, Excel, and Microsoft 365 for the purpose of training artificial intelligence (AI) models. These rumors stemmed from a feature in Office called “Connected Experiences.” However, it’s important to clarify that while this feature does analyze your content, it does not involve using data to train AI models. Instead, its primary function is supporting features such as PowerPoint recommending images for presentations.
According to How-To Geek, Microsoft could have been more clear about what its Connected Experiences feature actually covers. By 2024, it’s often assumed that data analysis involves training AI models, though this isn’t always the truth. The issue lies in the fact that Connected Experiences are turned on automatically, leading some to think Microsoft enabled the feature by default as a tactic to collect user data surreptitiously.
It’s understandable that given Microsoft’s strong presence in AI and model training, some might hastily form opinions. Previously, the company has employed less-than-optimal strategies to acquire customer data for AI learning, which makes it easy to question their trustworthiness (details to follow).
In the specific situation at hand, it’s evident that Microsoft isn’t employing document data for training AI models. This was explicitly stated by Microsoft to How-To Geek.
In simpler terms, data from personal and business versions of Microsoft 365 is not employed by Microsoft for teaching large language models. Furthermore, adjusting the Connected Services settings doesn’t impact the way Microsoft creates these advanced language models.
Microsoft further clarified that the “Connected Services” setting is a common industry practice, allowing functions that necessitate an internet connection to operate effectively. These “Internet-linked Features” significantly boost productivity by linking your data with resources found online.
The official Microsoft 365 account on X responded to accusations directly as well.
In the M365 apps, we do not use customer data to train LLMs. This setting only enables features requiring internet access like co-authoring a document. https://t.co/o9DGn9QnHbNovember 25, 2024
What are Microsoft 365’s Connected Experiences?
Connected Experiences allow Microsoft 365 apps to connect to the web and help users, such as suggesting images to place in a Word document. Real-time co-authoring, which is a key feature of Microsoft 365, also relies on the feature. Microsoft has an extensive document on Connected Experiences, including a breakdown of different experiences that analyze content.
To discover the choices for Connected Experiences, you’ll need to navigate through multiple settings menus. Once you successfully get there, via File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Privacy Options > Privacy Settings, you’ll find a list of options that appear to be enabled by default:
“Experiences that analyze your content
In some instances within Office applications, your content will be utilized to enhance your productivity by aiding creation, communication, and collaboration. For instance, certain experiences might locate relevant information from the internet regarding terms or phrases you’ve employed in your documents.
Experiences that download online content
The office offers you easily accessible digital resources such as templates, images, and videos that are searchable and downloadable. For instance, tools that enable you to find suitable pictures to incorporate in your presentations.
All connected experiences
Experiences that are seamlessly connected encompass activities like examining content, obtaining online content, and storing files digitally. Services like Outlook email and fundamental functions, such as downloading updates, will continue to function even when this setting is off. This option also lets you apply your privacy settings for your account across multiple devices.
It’s important to note that the settings for these options might be activated automatically as it may depend on the region. For instance, in the European Union (EU), countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, there are stringent regulations about user data. Sometimes, defaults can differ between these regions and other parts of the world.
Microsoft using data to train AI
It’s clear that many individuals and entities are worried about the safety of their personal information, especially when working with Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 programs, which they often use for confidential and sensitive data. Beyond safeguarding business secrets, some may have a legal responsibility to maintain data privacy, such as healthcare professionals or lawyers. The idea of Microsoft utilizing data from these documents to educate AI can be unsettling. However, I’m glad to inform you that this is not the case in reality.
It seems that many individuals were quick to assume matters when the Connected Experience setting was brought up this week. Microsoft typically provides extensive support materials on their features and responds promptly to queries from journalists. However, it was How-To Geek who managed to confirm details from Microsoft about the situation. Taking all of this into account, I still comprehend why people feel anxious. After all, Microsoft isn’t exactly known for being a champion of data privacy when it comes to AI technology.
Previously this year, LinkedIn (owned by Microsoft) rolled out an update called “Data for Generative AI Enhancement,” which allows them to utilize platform data for improving AI models. The concerning aspect is that this feature was activated automatically. Given that LinkedIn boasts over 134 million daily active users, I suspect a significant number of people might not be aware that LinkedIn can collect data to train AI systems.
Thankfully, AI models at Microsoft are not trained using information from applications such as Word and Excel in Microsoft 365. Such a practice might jeopardize the Microsoft 365 suite and the vast number of users who depend on it.
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2024-11-27 16:39