Microsoft Purview blocks Copilot from analyzing sensitive Office files

Microsoft is tightening controls around how artificial intelligence tools handle sensitive corporate data. This change directly addresses privacy concerns for commercial customers who previously found that AI services ignored their file classification rules. Users can now ensure that confidential documents remain private from automated analysis by connected experiences like Copilot.

New enforcement extends blocking capabilities across all connected services

The update targets the Microsoft Purview platform, specifically modifying how sensitivity labels function within the ecosystem. Before this change, AI capabilities in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint could analyze files regardless of their sensitivity markings. The new enforcement extends blocking capabilities across all connected services to prevent unauthorized data processing.

The core technical change involves blocking connected experiences from analyzing files marked with specific sensitivity labels. This restriction applies to all commercial customers who have licenses that permit the use of Purview. Files that already carry these labels will automatically receive the enhanced protection once the update becomes available to them.

Microsoft plans to roll out this feature to commercial customers in phases. The general availability period will start soon and is scheduled to complete by the end of next month. This phased approach allows the company to manage the deployment of the new security controls across its enterprise base.