LinkedIn has introduced a new data privacy setting that allows the company to utilize your data for training its AI models. The silver lining? You can easily opt out with just a quick toggle. Here’s what you should be aware of.
How Does LinkedIn Use Your Data?
LinkedIn, like many companies today, is harnessing the power of AI to enhance its professional networking platform. In 2023, the company launched generative AI tools aimed at simplifying the job search process. However, it also updated its privacy policy to automatically enroll users into a program that collects data for AI training.
The new privacy policy outlines that the data gathered will serve to “develop, provide, and personalize [the company’s] Services, along with insights sourced from AI and automation, ensuring that our Services remain relevant and beneficial for you and others.”
This data encompasses information that you submit to LinkedIn, along with details provided by other users. It also includes contact and calendar details, messages, educational and employment background, user interactions with LinkedIn services, and device/location information.
Starting in November, users across the United States, Canada, and several other countries will be automatically enrolled unless they choose to opt out.
What If You Don’t Opt Out?
Staying in the program shouldn’t change your overall experience on LinkedIn. Furthermore, companies like LinkedIn won’t use your data maliciously. Instead, it’s more likely they’ll use this information to refine their AI for delivering more tailored ads, services, and content that align with your needs.
If you’re comfortable with this, you might not find any reason to opt out. However, if you strongly value online privacy, opting out could be the better route for you.
How to Opt Out of LinkedIn’s AI Training Program
To opt out using a web browser, log into your LinkedIn account. Click on the Me icon at the top right corner, which will lead you to the menu for your account settings. From there, go to Settings & Privacy > Data Privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement > Use my data for training content creation AI models and set it to Off.
For mobile users, the process is quite similar. Open the LinkedIn app, go to your profile, and tap the gear icon in the upper right corner. This will take you to your Account Settings page. From there, select Data Privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement > Use my data for training content creation models, and toggle it to Off.
Luckily, LinkedIn has streamlined the process of opting out of its generative AI training program. Just flip a switch, and you’re done. For those concerned about the extensive data collection practices of large corporations like LinkedIn, this option provides an important sense of control. While there’s currently no evidence to suggest LinkedIn is mishandling your data, being able to choose what to share can enhance your sense of security and peace of mind.