LinkedIn Confirms Using User Data for AI Training: What It Means for You

Monday, 7 October 2024 04:46

LinkedIn has admitted to using user data to train its AI models, raising privacy concerns. Learn about the specific data used, how to opt out, and the implications for your privacy.

Table of Contents

Data Collection and AI Training
User Control and Opt-Out
What data does LinkedIn collect for AI training?
How does LinkedIn use user data to train AI models?
How can users opt out of having their data used for AI training?
What is the effective date of the updated user policy covering AI features?
What happens if a user disables the AI training feature?
Impact and Future Implications

LinkedIn, now under Microsoft's umbrella, has publicly acknowledged utilizing user data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. This disclosure follows allegations that the platform was engaging users in AI testing without their consent.

Data Collection and AI Training

In a recent blog post, LinkedIn outlined updates to its privacy policy, detailing how user data is employed in developing AI tools that offer writing suggestions and post recommendations. The company gathers a wide range of information about user activity, including posts, language preferences, login frequency, and potential responses. This collected data is then leveraged to enhance LinkedIn's and its affiliates' AI products. The exact identities of these affiliates, apart from Microsoft, remain unclear.

User Control and Opt-Out

LinkedIn spokesperson, Greg Snapper, emphasized the company's transparency in its terms of service and users' control over their data. Users have the ability to deactivate AI testing tools on both their mobile and desktop devices. To disable this feature, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings

2. Click on 'Data Privacy'

3. Select 'Data for Generative AI Improvement'

4. Disable the feature

Disabling this feature will prevent LinkedIn and its affiliates from using users' personal data or content to train AI models going forward. However, it does not affect any training that has already taken place.

What data does LinkedIn collect for AI training?

LinkedIn collects a variety of information about user activity, including posts, language preferences, login frequency, and potential responses. This data is then used to optimize LinkedIn's and its affiliates' AI products.

How does LinkedIn use user data to train AI models?

LinkedIn uses user data to train AI models that provide writing suggestions and post recommendations. The company collects information about user activity, including posts, language preferences, login frequency, and potential responses.

How can users opt out of having their data used for AI training?

Users can disable AI testing tools on their mobile and desktop devices. To do so, they can open Settings, click on 'Data Privacy', select 'Data for Generative AI Improvement', and disable the feature.

What is the effective date of the updated user policy covering AI features?

The updated user policy, covering AI features, content moderation practices, and other aspects, will take effect on November 20, 2024.

What happens if a user disables the AI training feature?

By disabling the AI training feature, LinkedIn and its affiliates will refrain from using users' personal data or content to train AI models in the future. However, this does not impact any training that has already occurred.

Impact and Future Implications

The updated user policy, encompassing AI features, content moderation practices, and other aspects, will come into effect on November 20, 2024. This move highlights the growing debate surrounding data privacy and the ethical implications of AI development. While LinkedIn maintains its commitment to user control, the use of user data for AI training continues to raise questions about transparency and individual rights in the digital age.