497916 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat for EDU customers ages 13 and older

Product:

Copilot, Entra, Microsoft 365 Copilot

Platform:

Education, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is available at no additional cost for Microsoft 365 EDU users ages 13 and older who sign in with their Microsoft Entra account (no Microsoft 365 Copilot license required). Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat offers enterprise data protection (EDP), and secure AI chat, powered by the latest large language models with optional web grounding. Admins must take action to enable access.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-07-08

updated:
2025-08-06

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is a free, AI-powered digital assistant for students and educators aged 13 and older with a Microsoft Entra account, offering secure, enterprise-level data protection and assistance in finding information to enhance educational experiences.

Direct effects for Operations**

Data Security Risks
Without proper preparation, enabling Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat may expose sensitive educational data to unauthorized access, leading to potential data breaches.
   - roles: IT Administrator, Data Protection Officer
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/01/12/understanding-data-security-in-the-age-of-ai/, https://www.csoonline.com/article/3631234/what-is-data-breach.html

User Experience Disruption
If the feature is enabled without adequate training or communication, users may face confusion or frustration, leading to decreased productivity and satisfaction.
   - roles: Educators, Students
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/02/20/how-ai-is-changing-the-education-sector/?sh=5c1b1c5e1b3e, https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2023/03/ai-tools-education-need-prepare-students-future

Compliance Issues
Enabling the chat feature without ensuring compliance with educational regulations (like GDPR) may result in legal repercussions for the organization.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Legal Advisor
   - references: https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/, https://www.educause.edu/annual-conference/2023/ai-and-education-what-you-need-to-know-about-compliance

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Learning Support
Implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can provide personalized assistance to students, enabling them to receive real-time help with their coursework, research, and projects. This enhances the learning experience by making educational resources more accessible and tailored to individual needs.
   - next-steps: Conduct training sessions for educators on how to leverage Copilot Chat in their teaching methodologies and integrate it into the curriculum.
   - roles: Educators, Students, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/microsoft-365-copilot, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/education-blogs/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-chat-for-edu/ba-p/3832955

Streamlined Administrative Tasks
By utilizing Copilot Chat, administrative staff can automate routine inquiries and processes, such as scheduling, enrollment queries, and policy information. This can lead to significant time savings and improved efficiency in handling administrative workloads.
   - next-steps: Identify key administrative processes that can be automated with Copilot Chat and develop workflows to implement these solutions.
   - roles: Administrative Staff, IT Administrators, School Leadership
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/microsoft-365-copilot, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/blog/2023/10/10/transforming-education-with-ai-and-microsoft-365-copilot/

Improved Data Security and Compliance
With enterprise data protection features included in Copilot Chat, organizations can ensure that sensitive educational data is handled securely, reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing compliance with regulations such as FERPA.
   - next-steps: Review current data security policies and procedures, and update them to incorporate the use of Copilot Chat while ensuring compliance with educational data protection laws.
   - roles: IT Security Officers, Compliance Officers, School Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/10/10/microsoft-365-copilot-and-data-security/, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/10/education-and-ai-a-path-to-future-ready-learners/

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only