GitHub has introduced user-based model policy targeting for GitHub Enterprise customers with Copilot Business or Copilot Enterprise licenses. This feature, now in public preview, allows AI administrators to establish a baseline of models for the entire enterprise and then assign additional models to specific enterprise teams.
This public preview represents an initial step toward team-level governance for Copilot model access. Historically, model access was managed at the organization level. The new enterprise teams mode offers finer-grained, user-based control, aligning with how individuals work by role, training level, or function.
Key Points
- User-based model policy targeting is available in public preview for GitHub Enterprise customers with Copilot Business or Copilot Enterprise licenses.
- AI administrators can set a baseline of models for the entire enterprise and grant additional models to specific enterprise teams.
- The feature enables tailoring access by job role or for early experimentation by frontier teams.
- Most enterprise customers will gain access to the preview opt-in on August 3rd.
- At the enterprise level, models can be set to "Enabled" (available to all enterprise members), "Disabled" (not available to any enterprise member), or "Optional" (available to assign to enterprise teams).
- Model access evaluates with a least-restrictive strategy: if a user receives a model from any one enterprise team, that user has access to the model everywhere.
- To opt into the preview, administrators must turn on the Enterprise teams mode toggle on the Copilot page under "Models."
- When Enterprise teams mode is enabled, model access is managed at the enterprise level and through enterprise teams, and organization-level model settings no longer apply.
Context
According to GitHub, this public preview is the first step in a broader shift toward team-level governance. The change moves model access management from the organization (resource) level to a more granular, user-based control that better reflects how teams operate.
Why It Matters
This update provides AI administrators with more precise control over Copilot model access within their organizations. It allows for differentiated access based on team roles or project needs, potentially improving security and resource management for enterprise deployers.
What To Do
- Note the August 3rd rollout date for preview opt-in availability.
- Review the Copilot page under "Models" for the Enterprise teams mode toggle.
- Consider creating enterprise teams and assigning "Optional" models to them before enabling Enterprise teams mode.
- Consult the GitHub documentation on managing model availability for enterprises to understand the full scope of the new policy options.