The setting in question 'only enables features requiring internet access like co-authoring a document,' Microsoft says.

Confusion over Connected Experiences settings in 365 apps spark concerns 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.

Reports that the tech giant is taking user data through its best known business software to train its AIs follows a global crash on Monday.

Microsoft faces allegations of using Word and Excel data for AI training, which it denies, emphasizing user privacy and control.

Concerns are raised over Microsoft’s use of customer data for AI training But the company confirmed it does not use customer data to train LLMs Publicly available information is considered open for training Microsoft’s use of so-called ‘Connected Experiences’ has come under scrutiny following claims it collected user-generated content to train its AI models.

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.

Microsoft's 'optional' Connected Experiences enable Microsoft to use Excel and Word files to train its AI technology, but it is possible to turn this feature off.

Microsoft has reached out to confirm that it does not use customer data to train its large language models. They