In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, data privacy remains a critical concern for users. Recently, LinkedIn introduced a new data privacy setting that has caught many by surprise. By default, LinkedIn now grants itself permission to use the information shared on its platform to train its artificial intelligence (AI). This includes your posts, articles, and even videos. Here’s what you need to know about this change and how you can opt out if you prefer not to participate.

Understanding LinkedIn’s New AI Data Policy

LinkedIn, the professional networking giant owned by Microsoft, has been leveraging user data to enhance its AI capabilities. This move aims to improve tools that help users find jobs and learn new skills. According to LinkedIn spokesman Greg Snapper, the goal is to “help people all over the world create economic opportunity” by refining AI-driven features.

However, this new policy has raised concerns among users who feel that their data is being used without explicit consent. The default setting allows LinkedIn to use your shared content for AI training unless you actively opt out. This has led to a debate about the fairness and transparency of such practices.

How to Opt Out of LinkedIn’s AI Data Usage

If you prefer not to have your data used for AI training, LinkedIn provides an option to opt out. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Log into your LinkedIn account: Open LinkedIn and log in with your credentials.
2. Access your settings: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Settings & Privacy.”
3. Navigate to Data Privacy: In the settings menu, find and click on “Data Privacy.”
4. Turn off AI data usage: Look for the option labeled “Data for generative AI improvement” and toggle it off.

It’s important to note that opting out will prevent LinkedIn from using your data for future AI training. However, any data already used cannot be undone.

The Broader Implications

LinkedIn is not alone in using public user data to train AI models. Other tech giants like OpenAI and Google also use user interactions to improve their AI systems. These companies typically require users to opt out rather than opt in, which has sparked discussions about user consent and data privacy.

During a recent hearing in the Australian Parliament, Meta’s director of privacy policy, Melinda Claybaugh, confirmed that the company had been using public photos and text from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI models for years. This revelation has added to the growing concern over how user data is being utilized by major tech companies.

User Reactions and Privacy Concerns

The introduction of LinkedIn’s new AI data policy has elicited mixed reactions. Some users appreciate the potential benefits of improved AI tools, while others are unsettled by the lack of clear consent. F. Mario Trujillo, a staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticized the approach, stating, “Hard to find opt-out tools are almost never an effective way to allow users to exercise their privacy rights.”

LinkedIn has been notifying users about the new policy through emails, text messages, and banners on its website. Despite these efforts, many users feel that the rollout was not sufficiently transparent and did not provide enough time for users to respond.

Looking Ahead

As data privacy continues to be a hot topic, it’s crucial for companies to prioritize transparency and user consent. LinkedIn’s new AI data policy serves as a reminder for users to stay informed about how their data is being used and to take action if they have concerns.

For now, if you’re a LinkedIn user who values privacy, make sure to review your settings and opt out if you do not want your data to be used for AI training. Staying proactive about your data privacy is essential in today’s digital age.

Reference: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/09/23/linkedin-training-ai-setting-opt-out/