Copilot Chat for web (Generative AI)

Copilot is a software application that can interact with users, through various channels, using natural language. Copilot uses machine learning algorithms and automation capabilities to provide more natural and personalised conversations. It is the recommended tool at UQ.

Copilot can help you with various tasks, such as: 

• searching for relevant information on the web 
• generating content such as summaries, presentations and code 
• rewriting, improving, or optimising your existing content 
• creating or drawing images based on your descriptions.

To set up Copilot: 

1. Open either Microsoft Edge or another major non-Microsoft browser like Chrome, Firefox or Safari.  

2. Navigate to https://copilot.cloud.microsoft.

3. Sign in with your UQ credentials – your username will be in the format username@uq.edu.au. By signing in to Copilot you have access to Copilot with enterprise data protection. With enterprise data protection (EDP), prompts and responses are protected by the same contractual terms and commitments as the rest of our Microsoft 365 services. 

4. You will be given the option to pin Copilot. If you choose this option, it will be pinned to the left-hand side of the Microsoft 365 app in the web, in windows and mobile. 

Privacy and protections 

• Data is secured: data is encrypted at rest and in transit 
• Your data is private 
• Prompts and responses are logged, retained and available for audit, eDiscovery, and advanced Microsoft Purview capabilities. You can access previous Copilot chat for reference or to continue the chat 
• Prompts and responses are not used to train foundation models 

Academic Title Holders

Academic Title Holders do not have access to Copilot. This is due to Microsoft rolling out access to specific Microsoft licences only. This may change in the future. 

There are some risks and limitations that you should be aware of when using Copilot. This page outlines some of the common risks and provides some guidelines to keep your data safe and enhance your experience. As with any technology, staff should not use it in a way that breaches UQ policies, procedures, or codes of conduct. 

What are the risks of using Copilot?

While Copilot can offer many benefits, it also poses some challenges and risks, such as:

• Accuracy of output: Copilot learns from large data sets of unknown (and/or unverified) sources, which can result in inaccurate or biased output. It may also provide incorrect or misleading information, or fail to understand the user’s intent or context.
  For example, AI models may be prone to "hallucinations", where the AI tool might create outputs which are nonsensical or completely inaccurate. AI hallucination types can include content that appears trustworthy or authoritative - such as references to scholarly articles or detailed case studies - that are fabrications.

To mitigate the risks and enhance the experience of using Copilot, you should follow some best practices, such as:

• Human in the loop (HITL): You should always validate the accuracy of the output you receive from Copilot using independent sources; you may also wish to ask Copilot to provide you with sources for the content it provides and should independently review these sources to ensure that any inference or conclusion drawn from them is justified. You should also monitor and review its performance and provide feedback to improve its quality.
• Check the terms of service: You should check the privacy policy and terms of service of Copilot and understand how it handles your data. Staff should not enter information classified as SENSITIVE or PROTECTED into Copilot.
• Authorisation: You should ensure that you have the necessary rights and consent to use the data you provide to Copilot. For example, if you are entering personal information, you require the consent of the person whose information is being used. 
• Product is generally available: While Copilot is generally available, you should still review its features, functionality, and reliability. 

Considerations regarding policies, procedures and licensing agreements when using AI Chatbots

As with any tool available at UQ, all UQ staff using AI chatbots must be aware of the relevant policies, procedures and licensing agreements that govern the content they are using or creating. We’ve collated responses to questions from across the sessions.

Can I use AI to create images?

Yes, with the following considerations:

• You will have to credit the use of AI if you use the image anywhere e.g. An AI-generated image of an owl.
• These images and graphics will have no copyright protection, which means anyone else can use this content.

Can I use AI to create UQ sub-brands, logos and identities?

No. While you can use the functionality of prompting AI to mock-up hypothetical logos, none of the content can be protected under copyright.

UQ sub-brands, logos and identities must not be created without prior approval from Marketing & Communication via brand@uq.edu.au. For direction, refer to the brand decision table in the UQ Brand Guidelines [PDF].

The creation of names, sub-brands and trademarks are formalised through prior approval and consultation with Marketing and Communication with final approval from the Chief Marketing and Communication Officer and Vice-Chancellor.

Can I use AI to summarise UQ-provided textbooks or journal articles?

Refer to Policies and guidelines.

Can I use AI to generate content for UQ websites?

This is not advised. Outputs from generative AI are not eligible for copyright protection. As any content created by AI must be identified as such, this content can then be used freely by anyone else who wishes.

More information

If you would like to know more about the service, visit the Microsoft Copilot webpage. 

If you have feedback or a question about Copilot or AI Chatbots, please share it with ITS.