How much do you want AI to remember about you?

That’s the question Microsoft’s beginning to answer with a big new update to Copilot.

Up until now, Copilot has been useful for quick tasks. Summarizing text, drafting emails, or answering questions. But it doesn’t really hold onto much about you.

Every time you start fresh, it’s almost like meeting it for the first time. That limits how “personal” it can ever feel.

But now that’s changing.

Microsoft is adding memory management to Copilot. That means you’ll have more control over what it remembers.

You can explicitly tell it to “remember this”, and in upcoming updates you’ll get a full memory management page where you can see exactly what’s stored.

Then you can either edit or delete details whenever you like.

In other words, Copilot can build up useful context about you and your business, but you stay firmly in control of what it keeps and what it forgets.

Why does this matter?

Think about the time saved if Copilot could remember the way your team writes reports, the names of your key clients, or the formats you prefer for proposals.

Instead of re-explaining the same information repeatedly, you could just get on with the work.

And if something changes, say a client’s details or your preferred style, you can update or clear that memory instantly.

There’s another important piece to this update too: Connectors.

Copilot can already link to OneDrive. Soon it will be able to connect to Google Drive as well.

That means you’ll be able to ask Copilot to fetch documents, summarize a folder of files, or even surface insights from stored data without opening each file manually.

Over time, more services are expected to be added, giving businesses a much more joined-up way to work with their information.

These features are rolling out across the web, Windows 11, and mobile devices, with some likely to be free and others possibly reserved for Copilot’s paid tier in the future.

Copilot is moving towards being a smarter, more personal assistant that learns from you, while keeping you in the driver’s seat.

And that balance could be key.

The more Copilot remembers, the more useful it becomes. But the fact that you get to decide what it keeps means you can take advantage of that power without sacrificing control.

If you’d like to see what Copilot could do for your business, get in touch.

Language barriers have always limited what we can get out of online content.

Training videos, webinars, or product launches are only useful if you understand the language they’re in.

But that could soon change.

Microsoft is testing a new AI-powered audio translation feature in its Edge browser.

It can translate the spoken words in a video into another language in real time, swapping the original audio for a translated version.

Now, it’s limited to just a few languages. English, Spanish, and Korean. But it gives us a glimpse of how AI could make global content much more accessible.

Here’s how it works…

Once enabled in Edge’s settings, a small floating bar appears on supported sites (YouTube is one example).

When you start a video in another language, Edge automatically generates a translated audio track, muting the original.

The result is that you hear the video in your chosen language almost instantly.

There are some limitations right now though.

The feature requires a powerful computer. At least 12 GB of memory and a modern processor. It’s not going to run well on low-spec devices.

Accuracy can also vary, with occasional hiccups like extra voices or imperfect phrasing.

But given that this is still a preview, it’s impressive progress.

The potential here is huge.

International training materials, partner presentations, or even industry insights in other languages could become immediately useful without waiting for subtitles or professional translations.

It opens doors to faster learning, wider collaboration, and easier access to knowledge from around the world.

Real-time translation could help businesses think and work more globally than ever before.

If you’d like to learn more about the other productivity tools Microsoft offers, get in touch.

This guide will help you understand what’s new in privacy regulations and give you a way to navigate compliance without getting lost in legal terms. 

Why Your Website Needs Privacy Compliance

If your website collects any kind of personal data, such as newsletter sign-ups, contact forms, or cookies, privacy compliance is necessary. It’s a legal obligation that’s becoming stricter each year.

Governments and regulators have become much more aggressive. Since the GDPR took effect, reported fines have exceeded €5.88 billion (USD$6.5 billion) across Europe, according to DLA Piper. Meanwhile, U.S. states like California, Colorado, and Virginia have introduced their own privacy laws that are just as tough.

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about building trust. Today’s users expect transparency and control over their information. If they sense opacity in how their data is used, they may leave or raise concerns. A clear and honest privacy policy fosters trust and helps your business stand out, especially in the digital age, where misuse of data can damage a reputation within hours.

Privacy Compliance Checklist 2025: Top Things to Have

Meeting privacy requirements isn’t just about compliance; it’s about giving your users confidence that their information is safe with you. Here’s what your 2025 privacy framework should include:

1. Transparent Data Collection: Be clear about what personal data you collect, why you collect it, and how you use it. Avoid vague generalities such as “we might use your information to enhance services.” Be specific and truthful.
2. Effective Consent Management: Consent must be active, recorded, and reversible. Users should be able to opt in or out at will, and you should have records that show when consent was given. You need to refresh user consent whenever you change how their data is used.
3. Full Third-Party Disclosures: Be honest about what third parties process user data, from email automation tools to payment systems, and how you evaluate their privacy policies. 
4. Privacy Rights and User Controls: Clearly outline users’ rights, such as access, correction, deletion, data portability, and the ability to object to processing, and make it simple for them to exercise these rights without endless email back-and-forth.
5. Strong Security Controls: Apply encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint monitoring, and regular security audits. 
6. Cookie Management and Tracking: Cookie popups are changing and give users more control over non-essential cookies. Don’t rely on default “opt-in” methods or confusing jargon. Clearly disclose tracking tools and refresh them on a regular basis.
7. Global Compliance Assurance: If you serve international customers, ensure compliance with GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and other regional privacy laws. Keep in mind each region has its own updates, such as enhanced data portability rights, shorter breach notification timelines, and expanded definitions of “personal data.”
8. Aged Data Retention Practices: Avoid keeping data indefinitely “just in case.” Document how long you retain it and outline how it will be securely deleted or anonymized. Regulators now expect clear evidence of these deletion plans.
9. Open Contact and Governance Details: Your privacy policy should have the name of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or privacy contact point. 
10. Date of Policy Update: Add a “last updated” date to your privacy policy to notify users and regulators that it is actively maintained and up-to-date.
11. Safeguards for Children’s Data: If you are collecting data from children, have more stringent consent processes. Some laws now require verifiable parental consent for users under a specified age. Review your forms and cookie use for compliance.
12. Automated Decision-Making and Use of AI: Disclose the use of profiling software and AI platforms. When algorithms influence pricing, risk assessments, or recommendations, users should understand how they operate and have the right to request a human review.

What’s New in Data Laws in 2025

In 2025, privacy regulations are expanding, with stricter interpretations and stronger enforcement. Here are six key privacy developments to watch and prepare for:

International Data Transfers

Cross-border data flow is under scrutiny again. The EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework faces new legal challenges, and several watchdog groups are testing its validity in court. Moreover, businesses that depend on international transfers need to review Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and ensure their third-party tools meet adequacy standards.

Consent and Transparency

Consent is evolving from a simple ‘tick box’ to a dynamic, context-aware process. Regulators now expect users to be able to easily modify or withdraw consent, and your business must maintain clear records of these actions. In short, your consent process should prioritize the user experience, not just regulatory compliance.

Automated Decision-Making

If you use AI to personalize services, generate recommendations, or screen candidates, you’ll need to explain how those systems decide. New frameworks in many countries now require “meaningful human oversight.” The days of hidden algorithms are coming to an end.

Expanded User Rights

Expect broader rights for individuals, such as data portability across platforms and the right to limit certain types of processing. These protections are no longer limited to Europe, several U.S. states and regions in Asia are adopting similar rules.

Data Breach Notification

Timelines for breach reporting are shrinking. Certain jurisdictions now require organizations to report breaches to authorities within 24 to 72 hours of discovery. Missing these deadlines can lead to higher fines and damage your reputation.

Children’s Data and Cookies

Stricter controls around children’s privacy are being adopted globally. Regulators are cracking down on tracking cookies and targeted ads aimed at minors. If you have international users, your cookie banner may need more customization than ever.

Do You Need Help Complying with New Data Laws? 

In 2025, privacy compliance can no longer be treated as a one-time task or a simple checkbox. It’s an ongoing commitment that touches every client, system, and piece of data you manage. Beyond avoiding fines, these new laws help you build trust, demonstrating that your business values privacy, transparency, and accountability.

If this feels overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. With the right guidance, you can stay on top of privacy, security, and compliance requirements using practical tools, expert advice, and proven best practices. Our step-by-step support from experienced professionals who understand the challenges businesses face will give you the clarity and confidence to turn privacy compliance into a strategic advantage in 2025. Contact us today.

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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.