Approved AI Chatbot Use: Microsoft Copilot Chat 

We want to provide clarity on the approved use of AI chatbots and other AI tools within our organization. With the recent introduction of Microsoft CoPilot Chat, we want to ensure everyone is aware of the guidelines for using these powerful tools responsibly. 

Key Highlights: 

• Microsoft Copilot Chat is the only approved AI chatbot for use for university business. It is provided through the university’s Microsoft Campus Agreement and offers commercial data protection. View additional information on accessing Copilot.
• Other AI-powered tools and platforms are in use within our institution, but their approval and governance vary by application and department. This includes AI tools integrated into research, data analysis, and machine learning platforms that adhere to our security and compliance policies. The University of Utah is currently working on campus-wide agreements for additional AI solutions. The most up-to-date information can be found on ai.utah.edu.
• Generative AI chatbots like DeepSeek and similar services are not approved for use. These platforms have invasive user agreements that do not protect organizational data, creating security and compliance risks. 
• Sensitive or restricted data, including patient information and confidential university records, should never be entered into any AI chatbot, including Microsoft Copilot Chat.
• For non-university business or personal use, other platforms can be used but should be done so with the acknowledgement of risks associated with sharing information with AI platforms.

We appreciate your diligence in adhering to these guidelines to ensure our data and privacy remain secure. We are actively exploring other tools and technologies for safe and secure use. We will update you as soon as new and appropriate information is available. 

In addition, we will be hosting regular office hours and townhalls to address questions and concerns. You may also submit questions regarding AI tools, approvals, or safe AI use using the contact form.  We'll use your questions to build an FAQ page linked from the homepage of this site—stay tuned.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to responsible AI use. 

Caren Frost, Associate Vice President for Research Integrity and Compliance

Manish Parashar, Chief AI Officer

University of Utah