Microsoft’s use of so-called ‘Connected Experiences’ has come under scrutiny following claims it collected user-generated content to train its AI models. The latest claims stem from an X post by @nixCraft, who accuses Microsoft of turning on an opt-out feature that automatically scrapes Word and Excel documents for AI training.

Software giant Microsoft is telling the world that it does not use data from Word or Excel for training any AI models.

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

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 has responded to claims that it has quietly switched on an 'opt-out' feature that enables the scraping of Word and Excel files for AI training.

The controversy erupted as social media users speculated the possibility based on the "opt-out" feature inside Microsoft 365 Suite

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.

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Microsoft on Wednesday denied claims that it uses customer data from its Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel, to train artificial intelligence models. The response came after some users pointed out on social media that the company requires users to opt-out of its "connected experiences" feature,

Microsoft has denies rumors of using Microsoft 365 customer data data to train AI models. The company took to social media and shared statements to explain its Connected Experiences within Microsoft 365.