Subprocessor
As of today, Claude is now available in M365 Copilot with Anthropic as a subprocessor for Microsoft Online Services. This is another huge step Microsoft has made to follow through on the commitment to be multi-model.
There’s just so much noise and constant leap frogging about which model is best for AI Chat! Microsoft puts this to rest by ensuring the best models are available in Copilot as well as Azure. With this approach, you don’t need to switch UI to use the latest model, nor do you need to constantly evaluate security and compliance postures.
So, what does it mean to be a “subprocessor”? Previously, some access to Anthropic models were possible but they were done under a separate data privacy agreement with Anthropic – not ideal. What becoming a subprocessor means is that Microsoft will have “oversight” and provide contractual safeguards:
“The Microsoft Product Terms and Microsoft Data Protection Addendum (DPA) apply to use of Anthropic models through Microsoft’s enterprise Online Services. Such use is also covered under our Enterprise Data Protection. The Microsoft Customer Copyright Commitment (CCC) applies to Anthropic models used within products covered by the CCC’s, including Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio.” – Microsoft
For customers that are already vested in Microsoft security and compliance, this is hugely important! It will allow the innovation to progress whilst ensuring customers are taking reasonable measures to protect data.
Read more about it here:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-subprocessor