Updated Microsoft's Connected Experiences option in its productivity suite has been causing consternation amid accusations that the default setting might allow Microsoft to train AI models using customers' Word and Excel documents and other data.
The Windows giant vehemently denies the claims. A spokesperson told The Register: "In Microsoft 365 consumer and commercial applications, Microsoft does not use customer data to train large language models without your permission."
We asked Microsoft what it meant by "permission" and if the permission was opt-in or opt-out, and the IT titan has yet to respond.
Connected Experiences has long been a part of Microsoft Office. Want to do some translation? You're probably using Connected Experiences. Transcribe a recording? Again, Connected Experiences. Do some grammar checking in Word? Connected Experiences will be analyzing your content.
The spokesperson said: "The Connected Services setting is an industry standard setting that enables features that require an internet connection. Connected experiences play a significant role in enhancing productivity by integrating your content with resources available on the web. These features allow applications to provide more intelligent and personalized services."