Microsoft is using Word and Excel user data for AI training by default, and opting out isn't easy

A hot potato: The controversial issue of companies training their AI models on user-generated content is once again under the spotlight. This time, the programs in question are the widely used Microsoft Office and Excel. The data gathering is enabled by default, and opting out is a laborious, multi-step process.

Microsoft's connected experiences in Office analyzes user content to provide the likes of design recommendations, editing suggestions, data insights, and similar features.

On X, nixCraft pointed out that the Redmond firm has recently enabled a feature that scrapes users' Word and Excel documents to train its internal AI systems. It's turned on by default, too.

Heads up: Microsoft Office, like many companies in recent months, has slyly turned on an "opt-out" feature that scrapes your Word and Excel documents to train its internal AI systems. This setting is turned on by default, and you have to manually uncheck ...