LinkedIn Adds Option to Opt Out of AI Training Data

LinkedIn has updated its User Agreement and Privacy Policy to clarify how user data is being used, particularly in relation to training AI models. This shift aligns with LinkedIn’s increasing integration of generative AI tools, used for tasks ranging from content creation to job applications. As part of these updates, LinkedIn is now explicitly gathering all publicly shared user data for AI development purposes.

According to the policy, LinkedIn may use personal data to improve services and train AI models. This includes both publicly shared content and, notably, direct messages. Unlike Meta, which has stated it does not use private messages for AI training, LinkedIn has not provided such assurances – and in response to concerns about privacy, the platform has added an option to opt out of your data being used for AI training.

However, as with many privacy settings, it’s likely that most users won’t opt out, leaving the platform to default most of its users into this new agreement. While European users are currently excluded from this AI training due to ongoing regulatory debates, LinkedIn’s updates reflect a broader trend: Meta, X, and other platforms are also adjusting their policies in response to regional regulations, with similar AI training opt-out options being introduced where necessary.

For users concerned about privacy, this opt-out option is a welcome addition. However, for some users, the knowledge that LinkedIn and other platforms have likely already collected years’ worth of data could be a point of contention. On the other hand, this has given the platforms a solid starting point for furthering their generative AI projects, which many see as a stepping stone to far greater technologies in the near future.