GitHub to use Copilot interaction data for AI model training from April, with opt-out option available

GitHub will use your Copilot data to train AI models starting April 24

GitHub announced it will begin using customer interaction data to train AI models, effective April 24, 2026. The policy applies to Free, Pro, and Pro+ Copilot plans. Users on Business, Enterprise, student, and teacher accounts are exempt.

GitHub's chief product officer Mario Rodriguez said the move will improve code suggestions and help developers catch bugs earlier. The company has already tested this approach using Microsoft employee data, which showed measurable improvements in model performance.

What data GitHub will collect

GitHub will use interaction data including:

• Code snippets and inputs sent to Copilot
• Outputs you accept or modify
• Code context surrounding your cursor
• Comments and documentation
• File names and repository structure
• Chat and inline suggestion interactions
• Your feedback ratings on suggestions

GitHub will not use data from Business or Enterprise Copilot plans, enterprise-owned repositories, or content in private repositories "at rest." However, code from private repositories is processed when you actively use Copilot, and that interaction data can be used for training unless you opt out.

Who gets your data

GitHub said it will not share data with third-party AI providers or independent service providers. Data may be shared with GitHub affiliates, including Microsoft. The company may also engage service providers to assist with model training, but only under the condition that they use the data exclusively for GitHub's services.

How to opt out

Opting out is straightforward. Go to /settings/copilot/features, find the Privacy section, and disable "Allow GitHub to use my data for AI model training."

If you previously opted out of product improvement data policies, that preference is preserved. Your data will not be used for training unless you explicitly opt in.

Developers interested in understanding how AI models work should consider exploring Generative Code Courses or AI Coding Courses to build deeper knowledge of the technology behind tools like Copilot.