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<current_datetime> tag provides timestamps in UTC but the agent treats them as local time, causing systematic timezone errors. #2708

@zmarkwell

Description

@zmarkwell

Describe the bug

Issue: <current_datetime> tag provides timestamps in UTC but the agent treats them as local time, causing systematic timezone errors.

Suggested fix: Either (a) include the user's local timezone in the <current_datetime> tag (e.g., 2026-04-14T12:51:44-04:00), or (b) include a separate
<user_timezone>America/New_York</user_timezone> tag so the agent can convert correctly. The agent should never assume UTC = local time.

Affected version

GitHub Copilot CLI 1.0.25

Steps to reproduce the behavior

2026-04-14T16:51:44Z (UTC) = 12:51 PM EDT.
Agent read it as 4:51 PM EDT and concluded afternoon meetings had already passed when they were still 18 minutes away.

Expected behavior

Agent can figure out local times consistently.

Additional context

No response

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