This article has been revised to include new information.

LinkedIn is using user data to train AI models, prompting criticism from social media users for automatically enrolling members without their consent.

The platform noted on its site that when members log in, they are tracked for various aspects such as their posts, usage frequency, language preferences, and any feedback provided.

This information is employed to “enhance or develop LinkedIn’s services,” according to the company.

Many individuals have expressed discontent with this process, especially the automatic enrollment feature.

“LinkedIn is now using everyone’s content to train their AI tools — they just auto opted everyone in,” commented X user and Women In Security and Privacy Chair, Rachel Tobac. “I advise opting out now (AND organizations should stop auto opt-in, that’s not right).”

In a series of tweets, Tobac expressed that social media users “should not have to jump through hoops to reverse a decision made by a company on their behalf” and urged members to push for the option to choose their participation in such programs ahead of time. Others joined her in voicing similar concerns.

LinkedIn started informing users about AI training this week

This week, LinkedIn indicated on its site that it is revising its user agreement, with updated terms set to take effect on November 20. The platform clarified its privacy practices and added a new opt-out option for AI training.

The announcement also included a video featuring LinkedIn’s Chief Privacy Officer, Kalinda Raina, who explained that personal information is utilized to enhance security and improve their products in the generative AI sector and beyond.

A LinkedIn spokesperson confirmed to YSL News that notifications regarding data usage for generative AI training began this week.

“Many users are seeking assistance in crafting their resumes, summaries for LinkedIn profiles, and messages to recruiters to advance their careers,” stated LinkedIn spokesman Greg Snapper. “Ultimately, people are looking for an advantage in their professional journeys, and our AI services are designed to provide that support.”

He emphasized users have the power to control how their data is used, stating that the company has always been transparent about these policies.

“Our terms of service have always been clear,” he mentioned. “Gen-AI represents the latest stage of how companies are implementing AI technology.” He added that some form of automation in products has always been part of LinkedIn’s services.

Steps to disable LinkedIn’s AI tool

Users can turn off this feature by clicking [here](#) or by following these steps on a desktop:

• Click your profile picture in the upper right corner of the LinkedIn website
• Select Settings & Privacy
• Then, click on Data Privacy
• Select Data for Generative AI Improvement
• Toggle the feature off

To disable the feature via the LinkedIn mobile app, follow these steps:

• Click your profile picture in the top left corner of the LinkedIn app
• Select Settings
• Tap Data Privacy
• Select Data for Generative AI Improvement
• Toggle the feature off

Understanding how LinkedIn utilizes user data

LinkedIn may use various content to train its AI models, such as user-posted articles. For example, if a user shares an article discussing advice from mentors, mentioning those mentors by name, LinkedIn’s writing suggestion feature may include those names. Users can then modify or edit the post prior to publishing, as noted on the site.

When users utilize the profile writing suggestions feature, the AI model draws from their profiles to generate text based on the data provided.

How to request your personal data

LinkedIn’s website states that opting out prevents the platform and its affiliates from using personal content to train AI models moving forward but does not reverse or affect any prior training that has occurred.

“Currently, this opt-out setting is available to members whose profile locations are outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland,” the company mentioned. “If you reside in these regions, we and our affiliates will not utilize your personal data or content from LinkedIn for AI model training or fine-tuning without further notification.”

The company indicated that it employs privacy-enhancing technologies to remove or redact personal data from its AI training datasets.

LinkedIn has announced that for users who utilize its AI-driven feature to generate content, any details they input, along with any information created from their prompts, will be retained until the user decides to delete the data.

To check what information LinkedIn has saved about them, users can follow these steps:

• Select your profile picture in the upper right corner of the LinkedIn site.
• Go to Settings & Privacy.
• Then, click on Data Privacy.
• Finally, select “Get a copy of your data.”

Users can also remove any stored data or LinkedIn activities by completing a deletion request form.

Saleen Martin is a journalist with YSL News’s NOW team, hailing from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. You can follow her on Twitter @SaleenMartin