Remember Clippy? Microsoft’s back at it again, this time with Copilot. It’s popping up everywhere, and now it wants to handle your online shopping, too. But is handing over your wallet to an AI a good idea? Or is this just another way for Microsoft to get its hooks into everything you do online?
I’ve been testing and writing about AI tools for years, and I’ve seen firsthand how quickly they’re evolving. Let’s take a look at Copilot Checkout and whether you should trust it with your credit card.
1. What is Microsoft Copilot Checkout?
Microsoft Copilot Checkout lets you buy things directly within a Copilot chat. Instead of clicking through to a website, an AI agent does it for you. It’s designed to work on Copilot.com and will initially partner with Etsy, PayPal, Shopify, and Stripe. Microsoft plans to add more retailers soon.
Think of it like this: you’re chatting with Copilot about a new coffee maker. You decide you want it, and Copilot, using its AI smarts, goes to the retailer and completes the purchase for you. Sounds convenient, right?
2. How Does Copilot Checkout Work?
You have a conversation with Copilot about products you’re interested in. Once you decide to buy, Copilot’s AI agent takes over. This agent navigates to the retailer’s site and completes the transaction using your stored payment information. Behind the scenes, Copilot Checkout connects with services like PayPal and Stripe to process these payments.
Retailers using PayPal or Stripe can apply to join Copilot Checkout. Shopify sellers are automatically enrolled but have the option to opt out.
3. Why is Microsoft Pushing Copilot So Hard?
Microsoft wants Copilot to be your go-to assistant for everything. They’re betting big on AI agents that can act independently to complete tasks. OpenAI has a similar feature called Instant Checkout for ChatGPT, which also works with Etsy and Shopify.
There’s a clear incentive for Microsoft and OpenAI: they get a cut of each sale made through their chatbots. Retailers hope for more traffic, though it’s still early to know how well these AI agents perform. For example, if a user buys a product for $100 (approximately 93 EUR) through Copilot, Microsoft gets a small percentage of that sale.
4. Is Copilot Taking Over Everything?
It sure feels that way, doesn’t it? Copilot is everywhere. Windows 11, Edge, Bing, Microsoft 365 – it’s all Copilot, all the time. Some people even thought Microsoft was changing the name of Microsoft 365 to “Microsoft 365 Copilot.”
Privacy-focused Proton has a guide on removing Copilot. They point out that only Microsoft 365 enterprise users and IT admins can fully remove Copilot from Windows 11. Others can only limit its features. It even showed up on LG TVs recently, much to the annoyance of users.
5. What Are the Privacy Concerns With Copilot Checkout?
Handing over your payment information to an AI raises some serious questions. How secure is your data? What happens if Copilot makes a mistake and buys the wrong item? Who is liable if there’s a fraudulent transaction?
These are all valid concerns. Before using Copilot Checkout, make sure you understand Microsoft’s privacy policies and security measures. Consider using a virtual credit card or a separate payment method with a low limit for AI-powered transactions.
Is Copilot Checkout safe to use?
While Microsoft is implementing security measures, any system connected to the internet has risks. It’s wise to use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Can I opt out of Copilot Checkout?
If you’re a Shopify seller, you’re automatically enrolled. You’ll need to manually opt out if you don’t want to participate. For consumers, you can simply choose not to use Copilot Checkout.
What happens if Copilot Checkout makes a mistake?
It’s unclear what the exact process is for handling errors. Review your purchase history regularly and immediately report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company.
6. How to Limit Copilot’s Access to Your Data
Even if you can’t fully remove Copilot, you can limit its access to your data. Here are a few tips:
- Review your privacy settings in Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge.
- Disable Copilot’s access to your microphone and camera if you don’t use those features.
- Use a privacy-focused browser like Firefox or Brave instead of Edge.
- Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic.
Will Microsoft eventually force Copilot on everyone?
It’s hard to say for sure, but Microsoft’s current strategy suggests they want Copilot to be an integral part of their ecosystem. Keep an eye on updates and be prepared to adjust your settings as needed.
What other AI shopping assistants are available?
Besides ChatGPT’s Instant Checkout, several other AI-powered shopping tools exist. Klarna, for example, offers a shopping assistant that helps you find deals and compare prices. Do some research to find the best fit for your needs.
7. The Future of AI and E-Commerce
Copilot Checkout is just one example of how AI is changing e-commerce. Expect to see more AI-powered shopping assistants in the future. These tools will likely become more sophisticated, offering personalized recommendations and automated purchasing.
The big question is: will people embrace these AI agents, or will they be wary of handing over control of their wallets? Only time will tell.
Microsoft is determined to make Copilot an essential part of your digital life, whether you like it or not. With Copilot Checkout, the company is betting that you’ll trust its AI with your money. But should you? What do you think about AI handling your online purchases, and what are your biggest concerns? Let me know in the comments below!