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.

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

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.