A new data privacy setting is allowing LinkedIn to train its AI models using your data. The good news is that you can opt out with just a simple toggle. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is LinkedIn Using Your Data For?
Like many companies these days, LinkedIn is looking to AI to help improve its business-oriented social networking platform. In 2023, LinkedIn rolled out generative AI tools designed to make finding a job easier. However, the company has updated its privacy policy to automatically opt users into an AI data collection program.
The updated privacy policy states data collected will be used to “develop, provide, and personalize [the company’s] Services, and gain insights with the help of AI, automated systems, and inferences, so that our Services can be more relevant and useful to you and others.”
The data being collected includes information you provide to LinkedIn as well as data provided by other users. Additionally, LinkedIn will collect contact and calendar information, communications, workplace and school information, data about your use of LinkedIn services, and user device and location data.
In November, users in the US, Canada, and several other countries can expect to be automatically enrolled in the program unless they opt out.
What Happens if You Don’t Opt Out?
Choosing to remain enrolled in the program shouldn’t affect your overall LinkedIn experience. Additionally, companies like LinkedIn aren’t using your information to scam you. What’s more likely is that the company will use the data you provide to empower its AI with better ways to serve you targeted ads, services, and content that is specifically tailored to your preferences.
If that type of thing isn’t a problem, then opting out isn’t necessary. However, if you are someone who prefers to maintain as much online privacy as possible, then opting out might be a better choice.
How to Opt Out of LinkedIn’s Generative AI Training Program
If you’re using a web browser, first log on to the LinkedIn website. Then, click the Me icon at the top right of the page. This should reveal a menu where you can access your account settings. From there, navigate to Settings & Privacy > Data Privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement > Use my data for training content creation AI models and toggle the setting to Off.
If you primarily use a mobile device, the process is similar. Open the LinkedIn app, and on your profile page, click the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. This will open your Account Settings page. From there, tap Data Privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement > Use my data for training content creation models. Toggle this option Off.
Fortunately, LinkedIn has made it easy to opt out of its generative AI training program. A single toggle is all it takes. And for those who are concerned with the amount of data large corporations like LinkedIn have access to, the ability to opt out easily is a boon. Though there isn’t a current reason to believe LinkedIn is doing nefarious things with your data, for some people, the ability to choose what they share can offer a little more security and peace of mind.
