How LinkedIn Utilizes Your Data to Train AI Models

If you’re active on LinkedIn, be aware that the platform has automatically opted users into a new privacy setting for training generative AI models. As reported by 404Media, LinkedIn has updated its privacy policy to clarify that data collected from users will be utilized for AI model training.

TechCrunch highlights that this updated policy indicates personal data may be used to enhance and personalize LinkedIn's services through AI technologies. Specifically, LinkedIn mentions that generative AI is employed for features such as writing assistance.

To opt out of sharing your personal data for generative AI training, navigate to the Data privacy tab in your account settings. There, you'll find the option labeled “Data for Generative AI Improvement.” Switch this setting to "off" to revoke permission. LinkedIn states that opting out prevents your data from being used in future training but does not impact any previous data training.

The FAQ regarding AI training mentions the use of "privacy-enhancing technologies" to remove personal data from training sets. Additionally, LinkedIn reassures users that it does not train its models on residents of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.

It's important to note that while this setting specifically addresses generative AI model training, LinkedIn employs other machine learning tools for personalization and moderation, which also require a separate opt-out process. For this, users must complete the LinkedIn Data Processing Objection Form.

This move by LinkedIn follows Meta's recent acknowledgment of scraping non-private user data for AI training purposes dating back to 2007.