A quick guide to AI safety tips

A shield surrounded by the best practices to help Copilot protect the handling of the user's interactions with it

As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, tools like Microsoft Copilot are transforming how we work, communicate, and stay productive. Copilot is designed to help users automate tasks, generate content, and make smarter decisions. But as with any powerful technology, AI safety is essential, especially in workplace settings where data privacy and accuracy matter. Understanding how to use Copilot responsibly ensures you get the most out of its capabilities without compromising security or trust.

What can Copilot do?

Accessible for free on your web browser and in the Copilot app (mobile, desktop or Mac), Copilot is your AI companion that can help with:

Summarizing documents and emails
Drafting content like reports, presentations, and messages
Analyzing data in Excel or generating insights from meetings
Automating repetitive tasks and workflows

If you’re looking for an even more integrated experience, you can upgrade to a Microsoft 365 subscription and enjoy Copilot integrated directly into tools you already use, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and more.

Top AI safety tips

To use Copilot effectively and securely, keep these AI safety tips in mind:

Know what you’re sharing: Avoid entering sensitive personal or company data into Copilot prompts. Use anonymized or generic data whenever possible to protect privacy.
Review results: Always double-check Copilot-generated content before sending or publishing. AI can make mistakes or misinterpret context, so human oversight is key.
Use Copilot in secure environments: Make sure you’re logged into trusted networks and using secure devices. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access or data leaks.
Understand data handling: Familiarize yourself with how Microsoft stores and processes Copilot interactions. Microsoft’s commitment to transparency helps users make informed decisions.

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AI art created via Copilot

Copilot’s built-in safety features

Copilot is built with enterprise-grade security and compliance in mind. It respects data boundaries and user permissions, ensuring that AI-generated content is based only on information you’re authorized to access. Features like role-based access and data governance tools help organizations maintain control over how AI is used across teams. For more information about how your data is protected while using Copilot, visit our FAQ page.

Best practices

To promote safe and effective use of Copilot across your organization:

Educate yourself and your family members on responsible AI usage.
Set guidelines for what types of data and tasks are appropriate for Copilot.
Monitor usage and collect feedback to continuously improve safety protocols.

Common mistakes to avoid

AI is an exciting technology that can make our everyday lives much easier. But even with Copilot’s built-in safeguards, users should avoid:

Over-reliance on AI without human review.
Sharing confidential info in your prompts.
Assuming Copilot is infallible; it’s a tool, not a replacement for human judgment.

Take AI safety into your hands

Copilot is a powerful productivity enhancer, and like any tool, it must be used wisely. By following these safety tips and best practices, you can explore the full potential of AI with confidence. Knowing how to use this useful tool safely helps ensure that your experience is both productive and secure. Try Copilot today and enjoy a safer AI experience.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.