Does GitHub Copilot train on your data?
GitHub (Microsoft) · Coding assistant · official site ↗
Depends on your planZDR / DPA on enterpriseOpt-out available
Does GitHub Copilot train its models on your data?
It depends — GitHub Copilot trains on consumer/free-tier data by default but excludes business, enterprise and API tiers.
From 24 Apr 2026, GitHub Copilot Free, Pro and Pro+ use your prompts and code suggestions to train AI models unless you opt out; Copilot Business and Enterprise are exempt and never used for training.
Can you opt out?
Individual subscribers: profile photo → Copilot settings → set "Allow GitHub to use my data for AI model training" to Disabled. A prior product-improvement opt-out carries over. Business/Enterprise tiers are excluded by default.
Zero retention / DPA
No public zero-retention product for individuals. Copilot Business and Enterprise are covered by GitHub's enterprise terms and are excluded from model training; a separate "block suggestions matching public code" filter is available on all tiers. DPA ↗
What the listicles get wrong
A fresh, dated default flip (opt-in → opt-out for individuals, effective 24 Apr 2026) that drew heavy changelog backlash. Business/Enterprise were never in scope.
Verdict by plan tier
Copilot Free / Pro / Pro+ (individual)Trains unless you opt outFrom 24 Apr 2026, interaction data (prompts, accepted code, file context) trains models unless you disable it. Previously this required opt-in consent.
Copilot Business / EnterpriseNo trainingExempt from the policy change; prompts and suggestions are never used to train models.
Get notified when this changes
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Frequently asked questions
Does GitHub Copilot train its AI models on my data?
It depends — GitHub Copilot trains on consumer/free-tier data by default but excludes business, enterprise and API tiers. From 24 Apr 2026, GitHub Copilot Free, Pro and Pro+ use your prompts and code suggestions to train AI models unless you opt out; Copilot Business and Enterprise are exempt and never used for training.
Can I opt out of GitHub Copilot training on my data?
Individual subscribers: profile photo → Copilot settings → set "Allow GitHub to use my data for AI model training" to Disabled. A prior product-improvement opt-out carries over. Business/Enterprise tiers are excluded by default.
Does GitHub Copilot offer zero data retention (ZDR) or a DPA?
No public zero-retention product for individuals. Copilot Business and Enterprise are covered by GitHub's enterprise terms and are excluded from model training; a separate "block suggestions matching public code" filter is available on all tiers.
Is GitHub Copilot safe to use with confidential or proprietary data?
It depends on your plan tier. Copilot Free / Pro / Pro+ (individual): From 24 Apr 2026, interaction data (prompts, accepted code, file context) trains models unless you disable it. Previously this required opt-in consent. Copilot Business / Enterprise: Exempt from the policy change; prompts and suggestions are never used to train models. Always confirm current terms with GitHub (Microsoft) before sending confidential data — this is cited public information, not legal advice.
Sources
https://github.blog/news-insights/company-news/updates-to-github-copilot-interaction-data-usage-policy/
https://docs.github.com/copilot/how-tos/manage-your-account/managing-copilot-policies-as-an-individual-subscriber
https://www.theregister.com/2026/03/26/github_ai_training_policy_changes/
This page is cited public information, not legal or compliance advice. Whether GitHub Copilot trains on your data, and any zero-retention or DPA option, can depend on your specific plan, region and contract. Always confirm current terms with GitHub (Microsoft) before sending confidential or proprietary data.