Description

Introduction
With Microsoft Copilot rapidly transforming how organizations operate, governance plays a central role in ensuring its adoption is secure, compliant, and ethically aligned. As AI assistants increasingly access sensitive business content, establishing clear governance frameworks is critical for managing risk, maintaining trust, and fulfilling regulatory obligations. This course explores strategies for governing Copilot usage effectively—balancing innovation with accountability.

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 ecosystem

• Basic understanding of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)

• Interest in AI tools and corporate governance

• IT, compliance, or leadership background preferred

Table of Contents

1. The Need for Governance in AI
    1.1 Why Governance Matters with Copilot
    1.2 Risks of Unregulated AI Deployment
    1.3 Aligning AI Use with Organizational Goals

2. Security and Access Controls
    2.1 How Copilot Manages Access and Permissions
    2.2 Multi-factor Authentication and Identity Protections
    2.3 Monitoring, Logging, and Audit Trails

3. Compliance and Privacy Assurance
    3.1 Overview of Data Privacy Regulations
    3.2 Managing Personal and Sensitive Data in Copilot
    3.3 Rights of Data Subjects and Compliance Features

4. Ethical and Responsible Use
    4.1 Microsoft’s Responsible AI Standards
    4.2 Transparency and Human Oversight
    4.3 Avoiding Bias and Misuse in AI Outputs

5. Policy, Tools, and Admin Controls
    5.1 Creating Acceptable Use and Governance Policies
    5.2 Using Microsoft Purview, DLP, and Information Protection
    5.3 Role of Admin Portals in Monitoring AI Usage

6. Risk Management and Scenario Planning
    6.1 Identifying and Mitigating Copilot-Specific Risks
    6.2 AI Risk Frameworks and Incident Handling
    6.3 Lessons from AI Governance in the Real World

7. Building a Responsible AI Culture
    7.1 Driving User Awareness and Education
    7.2 Encouraging Ethical Use Across Teams
    7.3 Creating Governance Champions in the Organization

As AI becomes more embedded in daily workflows, governance isn’t optional—it’s essential. A structured approach to Copilot governance ensures your organization safeguards data, complies with regulations, and upholds ethical standards. With the right frameworks, training, and tools in place, your teams can unlock the benefits of AI while maintaining trust, transparency, and control.