Microsoft To Use Edge Browser’s History for AI Training

Microsoft has integrated a new feature in the latest pre-release versions of its Edge browser that aims to use history to improve AI offerings such as Bing Chat and Windows Copilot. At least you ask permission first.

The whole thing is still only in test versions

The latest Canary builds of Microsoft Edge for Windows now ask users to consent to the use of their browsing history for training AI systems. According to BetaNews, Microsoft wants to use the data to improve the user experience by adapting the AI’s responses to the users’ habits and preferences.

Microsoft has placed the function for collecting browsing data in the settings for Bing Chat. When activated, consent to the use of browser data is requested, although some users may not be aware that this gives the Redmond company full access to the site content.

Be careful when using Copilot

In general, the collection of website data when using the browser only seems to be activated when you want to use the text merging feature included in Copilot for the first time. You will then also be asked for your consent to collect the website data, with the setting apparently applying to all websites visited when you continue to use the Edge browser.

If you definitely want to prevent browsing data from being passed on to Microsoft, you must switch off the “Allow Microsoft access to page content” option in the sidebar settings in the Bing Chat section. If you are interested in protecting your own data, it is obviously always advisable to check the appropriate settings in the future.

For Microsoft, collecting browser data from Edge users could be a profitable source of information that can be used to feed its own artificial intelligence systems. The Redmond company is still not particularly open about the question of how user data is actually used for Bing Chat and Copilot.