GitHub to use Copilot interaction data from individual users for AI training unless they opt out

Friday, April 24, 2026Technology & SocietyWell-covered3 frames

GitHub announced that, beginning April 24, it will use Copilot interaction data from Free, Pro, and Pro+ users to train and improve its AI models unless those users opt out.
The policy applies to individual Copilot tiers including Free, Pro, and Pro+, while Copilot Business and Copilot Enterprise accounts are excluded.
GitHub describes the training data as including Copilot inputs, outputs, code snippets, and associated context.
Reports on the policy say the collected interaction data may also include items such as chats or feedback, comments or documentation, file names, repository structure, and navigation patterns tied to Copilot use.
GitHub says users can opt out through Copilot privacy settings, and users who had already opted out do not need to take further action.
GitHub says it wants to use real-world Copilot interaction data to better understand development workflows and improve the quality, safety, and relevance of its coding assistance.
The change matters for developers and organizations because it ties routine Copilot use to model-training data, prompting renewed privacy, compliance, and data-governance questions about how coding interactions are handled.
One unresolved issue for affected users is whether to remain in the default training program or opt out before or after the policy takes effect, especially for those using Copilot on personal or non-enterprise projects.

GitHub announced that, beginning April 24, it will use Copilot interaction data from Free, Pro, and Pro+ users to train and improve its AI models unless those users opt out.
The policy applies to individual Copilot tiers including Free, Pro, and Pro+, while Copilot Business and Copilot Enterprise accounts are excluded.
GitHub describes the training data as including Copilot inputs, outputs, code snippets, and associated context.
Reports on the policy say the collected interaction data may also include items such as chats or feedback, comments or documentation, file names, repository structure, and navigation patterns tied to Copilot use.
GitHub says users can opt out through Copilot privacy settings, and users who had already opted out do not need to take further action.
GitHub says it wants to use real-world Copilot interaction data to better understand development workflows and improve the quality, safety, and relevance of its coding assistance.
The change matters for developers and organizations because it ties routine Copilot use to model-training data, prompting renewed privacy, compliance, and data-governance questions about how coding interactions are handled.
One unresolved issue for affected users is whether to remain in the default training program or opt out before or after the policy takes effect, especially for those using Copilot on personal or non-enterprise projects.