Reevaluating Microsoft 365 Copilot Due to Privacy Concerns

Recent findings underline the importance of skepticism among privacy professionals concerning the adoption of new technologies. The case in point is Microsoft 365 Copilot, which poses significant privacy risks that educational and research institutions are advised to consider.

Critical Privacy Concerns

Microsoft 365 Copilot is under scrutiny following a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) carried out by privacy experts. The assessment, conducted in collaboration with Privacy Company, highlights several areas of concern. Specifically, there is a lack of transparency from Microsoft regarding the data collected and stored about users interacting with the Copilot tool. Furthermore, access requests made by users for their personal data often result in incomplete or incomprehensible responses.

Another pressing issue is the potential for the Copilot to generate inaccurate and incomplete personal data. Users reliant on this generative AI tool may inadvertently trust the information it produces without realizing its inaccuracies. This could lead to misinformation being integrated into educational settings, potentially causing harm to users who depend on precise data.

Professional Recommendation

Given the current risks identified, institutions are advised against the premature adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Continued dialogue with Microsoft aims to address these significant concerns, with mitigation strategies still needed to effectively reduce the high risks identified by the DPIA. Until these issues are adequately resolved, data protection professionals are urged to caution against its use within their organizations.

For those keen to delve deeper into the findings, the full DPIA is available publicly and offers a comprehensive insight into the privacy risks associated with the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot. It serves as an essential resource for privacy experts seeking to make informed decisions regarding technology adoption in their respective fields.

The broader implications of this assessment underscore the importance of thorough privacy risk evaluations when integrating artificial intelligence tools into organizational processes. As data protection continues to evolve, maintaining vigilance and a proactive approach will be key to upholding data privacy standards.

Original source link: [SURF.nl](https://www.surf.nl/nieuws/advies-gebruik-microsoft-365-copilot-vooralsnog-niet-vanwege-privacyrisicos).