The rise of AI, especially Microsoft 365 Copilot, has shown its potential to enhance business processes through automation and data insights. However, concerns around data governance and security persist, particularly with the vast amounts of data Copilot uses. These concerns include over-sharing, data loss, privacy issues, and AI errors like hallucinations. The Dutch organization “Surf” has even recommended halting Copilot use in educational institutions due to privacy risks associated with diagnostic and telemetry data.
To mitigate these concerns, organizations must focus on ensuring data security and responsible use. Effective governance tools like Microsoft Purview, retention labels, and sensitivity labels help organizations manage content and ensure compliance. Oversharing risks, such as granting unnecessary access to sensitive data, can be minimized through proper permissions and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies.
Microsoft provides several tools to improve security, including advanced SharePoint management and DSPM for AI, which help track data sharing and access. Sensitivity labels and DLP rules can prevent sensitive data from being processed by Copilot. Ethical use is also a priority, with features to prevent prompt injections and ensure compliance with intellectual property laws. While AI in Microsoft 365 presents challenges, responsible governance practices can significantly reduce risks, enabling organizations to harness its benefits securely.