eSAFETY GUIDE

Microsoft Copilot

18+
Minimum age for Australians (13+ in most other regions)
18+ Minimum age for Australians (13+ in most other regions)

What is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant developed by Microsoft. An AI assistant is a computer program that can have conversations with people by understanding what they type and responding in a human-like way.

You can talk with Microsoft Copilot via text or voice. Microsoft Copilot is commonly used for things like writing and editing, researching topics, summarising information and brainstorming ideas.

You can upload files and images to Copilot and ask questions about them. For example, you could upload a PDF and ask Copilot to summarise it.

You can create images on Microsoft Copilot from a written description or prompt. For example, if you ask it to ‘create an image of a puppy wearing a hat’, Copilot will return an image that matches this description. You can also upload an existing image and ask Copilot to make changes to it.

Copilot Vision

Copilot also has a feature called ‘Vision’. This lets you share what is on your device screen with Copilot, or use your phone’s camera to show Copilot something around you. You can then talk to Copilot and ask it questions about what it can see. For example, you could share your screen and ask Copilot to explain information on a webpage.

Microsoft 365

Copilot is built into some Microsoft 365 applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Edge and Teams. For example, while using Outlook, you may be able to use it to summarise an email or help write a reply. These features are only available with some Microsoft subscriptions and accounts.

Microsoft Copilot has both free and paid subscription options. Paid subscriptions give you access to additional features.

Some AI chatbots can be used as companions, which can have particular risks for children and young people. For more information, see our online safety advisory.

Website: copilot.microsoft.com
Apps: Android app, Apple iOS app

How do people use Microsoft Copilot?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot on the following eSafety pages:

Report unsafe, inappropriate or illegal content

This link is provided by Microsoft:

  • Report a concern
    How to report content that violates Microsoft's terms or policies.

Key safety links

These links are provided by Microsoft:

  • Terms of use
    The terms of service you agree to when you use Microsoft Copilot.
  • Privacy FAQ
    Common privacy-related questions and answers about Microsoft Copilot Chat.
  • Microsoft Copilot for young people
    A page designed to help young people understand how Copilot works, what protections are in place, and how to use it responsibly.
  • Microsoft support
    Find help with Microsoft products and services, including Microsoft Copilot.

Related eSafety links

Find other resources to help keep you safe online:

Other eSafety Guides:

About this Guide

This guide is provided by the eSafety Commissioner to help people stay safe online and better understand digital platforms.

Social media changes

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms are not allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

About The eSafety Guide

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews, endorsements or assessments against any legislative definition by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.