According to a recent update, LinkedIn apparently used user data for AI training without consent. The platform has now also updated its terms of use. However, users from the EU, EEA or Switzerland are said not to be affected.
LinkedIn recently made an update that allows the platform to use user data for AI training. This is according to a report in the online magazine 404 Media A new function allows parent company Microsoft and numerous partner companies to retrieve user data in order to train AI models.
AI training: LinkedIn uses user data without consent
The problem: With the update, LinkedIn is said to have tacitly adjusted its terms and conditions and automatically activated the function for using user data for AI training. However, the platform has now apparently adjusted its terms of use and users can object to the procedure.
The function is hidden in the settings under the menu item “Data protection“. There you can select the option “Data for Generative AI Improvement“ using the slider. However, it is still unclear which data LinkedIn specifically uses for AI training.
All clear for users in the EU
Even if the automatic activation of the function raises questions about data protection, there is good news. LinkedIn does not use user data in this country to train AI models. This would mean that the platform would violate applicable EU law.
The corresponding option cannot therefore be found in the settings for users within the EU. Users in Switzerland and the European Economic Area also have nothing to fear so far. However, it is still unclear whether LinkedIn can use comments from European users under US posts for AI training.
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Source: https://www.basicthinking.de/blog/2024/09/23/ohne-zustimmung-linkedin-verwendet-nutzerdaten-automatisch-fuer-ki-training/
