Tip of the Week: How to Keep LinkedIn from Using Your Data to Train AI

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic nowadays, making data an even more valuable resource. After all, AI platforms rely on data to function.

Due to this, many platforms and services collect data from their users to feed these algorithms. LinkedIn was recently discovered to have started doing so—by default—without informing users or updating its terms of service. 

Fortunately, disallowing this use of your data is relatively simple.

How to Prevent LinkedIn from Using Your Data to Generate AI Models

A quick disclaimer: it is important to note that this process does not undo any training that has already occurred.

• Access LinkedIn and navigate to Settings & Privacy.
• Once there, select Data privacy.
• You’ll then be allowed to toggle Data for Generative AI Improvement to off.

Alternatively, LinkedIn offers users a form where they can request that the processing of their data be restricted.

It is also important to mention that this will only prevent your data from assisting with data processing if you don’t interact with the AI models, with any data you feed into it being used to provide a result.

Why Does LinkedIn Want My Data?

According to the professional networking site, it uses AI for “a variety of purposes,” although it focuses on its writing assistant’s generative AI functions. LinkedIn is trying to emphasize that AI can help craft posts and messages.

This information is available via a “Learn more” link below the Data for Generative AI Improvement setting.

However, looking at this information, it becomes clear that some of this data is ultimately distributed to some of LinkedIn’s partners and affiliates… potentially Microsoft and its Azure OpenAI division. So, your data may have been extracted from LinkedIn’s platform without your knowledge or consent. 

Unfortunately, the damage might have already been done to that data, which makes it all the more important to limit the platform’s capabilities to continue pulling your data. We strongly recommend you follow the aforementioned process and contact Washington Works for more assistance in protecting your data. Give us a call at 301-571-5040.