In ChatGPT, go to Settings, then Data controls, and switch off Improve the model for everyone. The setting is backed by the provider's terms and conditions, not just a button. Many free AI tools have training switched on by default, so check the setting in every tool you use.
- Switching it off does not make a public tool safe for confidential work data.
More in Data Privacy and Safety
Does Microsoft Copilot learn from my Data?
Not with a work account. For business and enterprise users, training on your data is switched off by design, and Copilot only keeps the context of the current chat plus anything you deliberately save, such as custom instructions or memories. The consumer version of Copilot, used without a work licence, can learn from your data.
Are Enterprise AI Tools Safer than Free Chatbots?
Yes. Enterprise tools are built with security in mind. Free and personal versions of ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude and Mistral can train on your chats by default unless you opt out, while enterprise versions promise in their contracts not to train on your data. They also encrypt data in transit and can keep it in the EU.
Is Copilot on the Web Safe for work Data?
It depends on which account you sign in with. With a personal account, treat Copilot as a public third-party tool. With your work credentials, it runs inside your organisation's Microsoft 365 environment with enterprise data protection. Look for the green shield at the top, which shows enterprise data protection is switched on.