Microsoft-owned LinkedIn has revised its privacy rules, allowing it to incorporate user data into artificial intelligence training methods, leading to user concerns.
Changes in policy now serve as a gateway for automatic data collection from user content to aid in training AI systems. Blake Lawit, the company's Senior Vice President and General Counsel, explained these updates in a communication focused on “trust and safety.” The updates suggest LinkedIn began gathering data before officially announcing these new terms.
Options for Users to Opt-Out
The platform offers users an opt-out setting to prevent their data from being included in AI model training. LinkedIn's “Data for Generative AI Improvement” option is active by default. Users need to visit their profile settings, head to “Data Privacy,” and deactivate this. Users in the European Economic Area and Switzerland, however, cannot use this opt-out feature.
For users in countries like the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, data is currently not used for AI model training. LinkedIn emphasizes cutting down the amount of personal data involved by employing technologies that mask or exclude personal identifiers. Despite precautions, user inputs to AI systems might still include personal information.
User Reactions and Sectoral Trends
The policy update has met with criticism, with many users perceiving it as undermining trust. On the platform, various posts are advising on how to disable this default data collection setting. LinkedIn's strategy aligns with a broader sectoral trend where data gathering precedes addressing legal objections.
Beginning November 20, 2024, the revised User Agreement will provide insights into how LinkedIn handles content recommendations and moderation. It will explain user data's role in facilitating the development of LinkedIn's generative AI capabilities.
Amid criticism, LinkedIn reaffirms it is working towards clarity about its data handling practices, highlighting that users can manage their data choices. The organization aims to clearly outline how user data contributes to building AI models. Users interested in opting out of this data collection for AI purposes can explore the relevant options under “Data for Generative AI Improvement” in LinkedIn's privacy settings.
