Your data will train LinkedIn’s AI unless you opt out

LinkedIn has recently announced that its user data will soon be shared with Microsoft and its affiliates to help train artificial intelligence (AI) systems, a move framed under what the company describes as its "legitimate interest". 

The update means members are automatically included unless they take steps to opt out before November 3.

The change reflects Microsoft's broader ambitions in AI, following its significant investment in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. Large language models (LLMs) depend on vast amounts of data to generate more effective responses, and LinkedIn's network of over one billion members represents a valuable resource.

In a recent post, Linkedin said, "For members in the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong. On November 3, 2025, we'll start to use some data from members in these regions to train content-generating AI models that enhance your experience and better connect our members to opportunities."

"This may include data like details from your profile, and public content you post on LinkedIn; it does not include your private messages. We rely on legitimate interest to process your data for this purpose. You can opt out anytime in your settings if you'd prefer not to have your data used in this way," the platform added.

In the United States and other countries, Linkedin has confirmed that data will also be shared with Microsoft from the same date, including profile information, feed activity and advertising interactions.

The company has said the changes will allow Microsoft's family of companies to provide more personalised services and targeted advertising, though users can review and adjust their privacy settings. Non-members may also file objections if their personal information has been shared on the platform by others.

How to opt out:

Users can opt out of LinkedIn's data sharing for AI training by adjusting their privacy settings.

• Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement.
• Toggle off "Use my data for training content creation AI models."
• Users may also file a Data Processing Objection request to formally object. The objection form can be accessed by selecting "Object to processing for training content-generating AI models" and submitting the request. Non-members are also able to file an objection if their personal data has been shared on LinkedIn by a member.