Recently we spent some time introducing Microsoft Copilot, a generative AI engine that can be used across Microsoft business applications—including Microsoft Dynamics 365, Viva Sales, and Power Platform.  We compared it to other large language model (LLM) OpenAI services like Chat GPT and talked through a basic understanding of just how it works and utilizes your business’ data.  But how can we trust it to really provide the insights and productivity that it boosts?  In this article we will explore accuracy and security of the data the LLM engine generates.

Can we rely on Microsoft Copilot to generate factual responses?

The Microsoft marketing department might not like us saying this, but the reality is that the responses produced by any generative AI are not guaranteed to be 100 percent factual. While they definitely continue to improve responses to fact-based inquiries, users should still exercise their judgement when reviewing outputs.  Copilot will leave you in the driver’s seat, while providing useful drafts and summaries to help you achieve more.

Microsoft’s teams are working to address issues such as misinformation and disinformation, content blocking, data safety and preventing the promotion of harmful or discriminatory content in line with their established AI principles.

Microsoft also provide guidance within the user experience to reinforce the responsible use of AI-generated content and actions. These tools also help guide users on how to use Copilot, as well as properly use suggested actions and content.  Some of those guidance features include:

• • Instructive guidance and prompts – When using Copilot, informational elements instruct users how to responsibly use suggested content and actions, including prompts, to review and edit responses as needed prior to usage, as well as to manually check facts, data, and text for accuracy.

• • Cited sources – Copilot cites public sources when applicable so you’re able to see links to the web content it references.

Can I trust Copilot to protect my sensitive business information and data?

The good news here is that Microsoft is uniquely positioned to deliver a secure, enterprise-ready AI. Powered by Azure OpenAI Service, Copilot features built-in responsible AI and the enterprise-grade Azure security you are already familiar with.

Built on Microsoft’s comprehensive approach to security, compliance, and privacy, Copilot is integrated into Microsoft services like Dynamics 365, Viva Sales, Microsoft Power Platform, and Microsoft 365, and automatically inherits all your company’s valuable security, compliance, and privacy policies and processes. Two-factor authentication, compliance boundaries, privacy protections, and more to make Copilot a trustworthy solution.

Further, Copilot is designed to protect tenant, group, and individual data.  Data leakage is a concern for all of our customers. LLMs are not further trained on, nor do they learn from your tenant data or your prompts. Within your tenant, Microsoft’s time-tested permissions model provides safeguards and security.  On an individual user level, Copilot presents only the data the users can access using the same permissions technology that you’ve been using for years to secure your business and customer data.

Copilot’s foundation skills are a game changer for productivity and business processes.  Its capabilities allow you to create, summarize, analyze, collaborate, and automate using your specific business content and context. But it doesn’t stop there. Copilot recommends actions and is designed to learn new skills. For example, with Viva Sales, Copilot can learn how to connect to CRM systems of record to pull customer data (like previous interactions and order histories) into communications. As Copilot learns about new domains and processes, it will be able to perform even more sophisticated tasks and queries.

But what about those regulatory compliance mandates?

AI regulatory compliance is a rapidly evolving field that seeks to navigate the complexities of utilizing artificial intelligence within the legal boundaries. In the AI space, regulation is crucial to ensure ethical use and to prevent misuse of AI technologies. AI space regulation is not only about setting boundaries, but also about fostering trust in AI systems and promoting innovation. As AI continues to advance and become more integrated into our daily lives, understanding and complying with AI space regulation will be integral for businesses and individuals alike. Microsoft is dedicated to creating and adhering to regulations that are both effective and adaptable to the changing landscape of AI technology.

Since Copilot sits within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, it subsequently enjoys the same compliance that Azure follows.  In addition, Copilot adheres to Microsoft’s commitment to responsible AI, which is described in these documented principles. As regulation in the AI space evolves, Microsoft will continue to adapt and respond to fulfill future regulatory requirements in this space.

Want to learn more about integrating Copilot into your business?  Learn how others have used it to propel their business growth.  Contact the experts today.

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