MC942826 – Microsoft 365 Copilot: An easier way for users to delete Copilot activity history in their Microsoft Account (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Teams

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot users will soon be able to delete their activity history directly from Teams, with a rollout starting early January 2025. This feature requires a Copilot license and will be available on Teams across various platforms. No admin action is needed before the rollout.

Details:
Updated December 17, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon in Microsoft Teams: An easier way for user to delete their Copilot account history from all applications. When users select Open Copilot activity history in Teams, they will be taken directly to the Settings & Privacy page in their My Microsoft account. This new entry point applies to Teams for Windows desktop, Teams for Mac desktop, and Teams for iOS/Android. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this feature.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out earl January 2025 (previously mid-December) and expect to complete by late January 2025 (previously late December).

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:

Created:
2024-11-27

updated:
2025-01-15

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Pictures

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience with Copilot Activity History
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they are unaware of the new method to delete their Copilot activity history, leading to potential dissatisfaction with the tool.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page, https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-settings-in-microsoft-teams-b506e8f1-1a96-4cf1-8c6b-b6ed4f424bc7

Data Privacy Concerns
Without prior notification, users may inadvertently leave sensitive information in their Copilot activity history, raising privacy concerns and potential compliance issues.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy#deleting-the-history-of-user-interactions-with-microsoft-copilot-for-microsoft-365, https://myaccount.microsoft.com/settingsandprivacy/privacy

Documentation and Training Gaps
The change may lead to outdated documentation and training materials, resulting in users not fully understanding how to manage their Copilot settings effectively.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page, https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-settings-in-microsoft-teams-b506e8f1-1a96-4cf1-8c6b-b6ed4f424bc7

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Enhanced User Privacy Control
The new feature allows users to easily delete their Copilot activity history directly from Teams, improving user control over personal data and enhancing trust in the platform.
   - next-steps: Communicate the new feature to users, highlighting its importance for privacy. Provide training sessions or documentation on how to use this feature effectively.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy#deleting-the-history-of-user-interactions-with-microsoft-copilot-for-microsoft-365, https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-settings-in-microsoft-teams-b506e8f1-1a96-4cf1-8c6b-b6ed4f424bc7

Streamlined IT Support Processes
With users able to manage their own activity history, IT support can reduce the number of requests related to data privacy and history management, allowing for more efficient use of resources.
   - next-steps: Monitor support tickets related to Copilot activity history before and after the rollout to measure impact. Adjust IT resource allocation accordingly.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Personnel
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page, https://myaccount.microsoft.com/settingsandprivacy/privacy

Improved User Experience in Teams
The integration of activity history management within Teams enhances the overall user experience by providing a seamless way to manage personal data without navigating away from the application.
   - next-steps: Gather user feedback on the new feature post-rollout to identify any additional improvements or support needed. Consider integrating further privacy controls within Teams based on user input.
   - roles: Product Managers, User Experience Designers, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page, https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-settings-in-microsoft-teams-b506e8f1-1a96-4cf1-8c6b-b6ed4f424bc7

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Data Protection**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

DPIA Draft**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only