As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, concerns about the use of personal data for AI training grow louder. These worries have intensified following LinkedIn’s announcement that it will begin leveraging vast amounts of user information to power its AI models.
Starting November 3, 2025, the professional networking site owned by Microsoft plans to use member profiles, posts, resumes, and public activities to train generative AI, reflecting the deepening intersection between personal data and machine learning. This rollout will first affect users in the UK, EU, European Economic Area, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong, with LinkedIn citing 'legitimate interest' as its legal basis for data processing.
LinkedIn's action is part of a broader trend where tech companies utilize user-generated content for AI development, highlighting the ongoing tension between innovation and data protection regulations like the GDPR in Europe. Despite the platform's assurance to exclude data from users under 18, the default opt-in setting has raised alarms among privacy advocates and industry specialists.
The resumption of data training has attracted the attention of regulators, particularly in the UK and EU, where authorities had previously requested LinkedIn to cease its operations. As reported by The Verge, the default 'on' setting for AI data usage left many users unaware until public announcements were made. This scenario is similar to disputes at companies such as Meta and X, where user data has been utilized to advance AI without explicit consent, resulting in legal challenges and fines.
Individuals who rely on LinkedIn for networking and job hunting may benefit from AI advancements, such as personalized job recommendations or automated profile updates. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding data misuse, especially amid the rise of deepfakes and algorithmic biases. LinkedIn has emphasized that the training will focus on improving features like content creation and search, but critics argue this could inadvertently expose sensitive career information.
