LinkedIn Faces Backlash Over Use of User Data to Train AI

LinkedIn is under fire after reports surfaced that the platform is using user data to train artificial intelligence (AI) models without prior consent. Social media users have criticized the company for automatically opting members into the program without informing them beforehand.

What Data is Being Used?

LinkedIn stated on its website that it collects data when users log on. This includes information such as posts, articles, frequency of usage, language preferences, and feedback sent to the company. LinkedIn claims that this data is used to “improve or develop the LinkedIn services.”

Some users, however, have taken issue with LinkedIn’s decision to automatically enroll them in this AI training program, raising concerns about privacy and consent.

Social Media Backlash

The auto-enrollment sparked outrage across social media. Rachel Tobac, Chair of Women In Security and Privacy, voiced her concerns on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “LinkedIn is now using everyone’s content to train their AI tool — they just auto opted everyone in.” Tobac urged users to opt out immediately and criticized the company for not offering a choice before enrolling members.

Tobac further argued that users should not have to undo decisions made for them by companies, encouraging individuals to demand transparency and options from platforms like LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Updates User Agreement

LinkedIn responded to the backlash by notifying users about updates to its user agreement this week. The changes, which will take effect on November 20, clarify privacy practices and offer an opt-out setting for users who do not want their data to be used for AI training.

Kalinda Raina, LinkedIn’s Chief Privacy Officer, released a video explaining that personal data is collected to improve security and products, particularly in the generative AI space. LinkedIn emphasized that users have always had the choice to manage their data usage settings.

LinkedIn’s Response

LinkedIn spokesman Greg Snapper defended the platform’s use of data in AI training, stating that people are looking for ways to enhance their careers. He explained that LinkedIn’s generative AI tools can help users craft resumes, summaries, and messages to improve career opportunities.

“At the end of the day, people want that edge in their careers, and what our gen-AI services do is help give them that assist,” Snapper said. He also noted that LinkedIn has been transparent about its use of automation in its products.

How to Opt-Out of LinkedIn’s AI Training Program

Users who wish to opt out of the AI training feature can do so through their settings. The process is simple and can be done via desktop or the LinkedIn mobile app.

• On the desktop, users can go to their profile avatar, click “Settings & Privacy,” then select “Data Privacy,” followed by “Data for Generative AI Improvement.” From there, they can toggle the feature off.
• On the mobile app, the process is similar, starting with the profile avatar, followed by “Settings,” “Data Privacy,” and then toggling off “Data for Generative AI Improvement.”

Privacy Concerns and Data Storage

LinkedIn has clarified that opting out prevents the use of personal data for AI training in the future, but it doesn’t undo the use of data that has already been incorporated into AI models. The company emphasized that privacy-enhancing technology is used to redact personal data from its datasets.

Members can also review or request their personal data through LinkedIn’s “Get a copy of your data” feature under the Data Privacy section.

Looking Ahead

As more platforms incorporate AI into their services, debates over user consent and data privacy are expected to intensify. LinkedIn’s decision to auto-enroll members in its AI training program has raised questions about transparency and user choice, sparking a broader discussion about how personal data should be handled in the age of AI.

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