Microsoft documentation details how Copilot utilizes web search by sending queries to Bing. When enabled, the system parses user prompts to generate search terms, while removing tenant and user identifiers. These queries are not visible in the Copilot pane within Microsoft 365 applications like Word or PowerPoint, though they are accessible in Microsoft Copilot Chat for 24 hours.
Administrators can audit these web search queries through the activity explorer in Microsoft Purview Data Security Posture Management for AI. This tool allows viewing search terms alongside original prompts and responses. Web search functionality is active by default unless restricted via the Cloud Policy service for Microsoft 365 or by disabling optional connected experiences.
The Cloud Policy service offers three configuration modes for web search, including options to disable it specifically in Copilot Work mode while keeping it active in Web mode. Additionally, OpenCode co-founder Dax Raad announced that the OpenCode Go plan, priced at $10 per month, has achieved self-sufficiency and maintained this status for two consecutive weeks.
