Recently, LinkedIn quietly introduced a feature allowing the platform to utilize user data for training generative AI models. This change, which many users might not have noticed, has raised privacy concerns. If you’re worried about LinkedIn and its affiliates using your personal data, here’s how to turn this feature off.
What’s Happening?
LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, has added a new setting under your data privacy options labeled “Data for Generative AI Improvement.” By enabling this option, users give LinkedIn permission to use their personal data and any content they create on the platform to train AI models designed to generate content.
Default Setting
Unfortunately, this setting is turned on by default, meaning unless you take action, your data is being used for AI training without your explicit consent. Adding to the concern, it appears LinkedIn did not update its terms of service to inform users about this change prior to its rollout.
How to Turn Off LinkedIn’s AI Training Feature
If you prefer to keep your data private and do not want LinkedIn to use it for AI training, follow these steps to disable this feature:
- Log in to Your LinkedIn Account
Visit the LinkedIn website or open the LinkedIn app and log in with your credentials. - Access Settings & Privacy
Click on your profile picture in the header menu, then select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu. - Navigate to Data Privacy
In the left-hand side menu, choose Data Privacy. - Select AI Improvement Data Option
Scroll to the bottom of the How LinkedIn Uses Your Data section and select Data for Generative AI Improvement. - Toggle Off the Setting
You will see an option labeled Use my data for training content creation AI models. Switch this toggle to off.
Additional Privacy Considerations
For users in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, LinkedIn is currently not utilizing your data for AI training due to stringent data privacy laws in those regions. A statement from LinkedIn confirms, “We are initially making this setting available to members whose profile location is outside of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. If you live in these regions, we and our affiliates will not use your personal data or content on LinkedIn to train or fine-tune generative AI models for content creation without further notice.”
Conclusion
As AI technology continues to advance, it’s crucial to understand how your data is being used and to take control of your privacy settings. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your LinkedIn data remains your own.
