LinkedIn to Leverage Member Data for AI Model Training Starting November 2025

Beginning November 3, 2025, LinkedIn will incorporate data from user profiles, posts, resumes, and publicly shared activities to enhance its artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This initiative aims to improve the platform’s AI capabilities by utilizing real-world user-generated content.

Default Inclusion of User Data Sparks Concerns

The decision to automatically enroll users in this data-sharing program has raised significant apprehension among members. Instead of requiring explicit consent, LinkedIn will opt users in by default, placing the onus on individuals to actively opt out if they prefer not to have their data used for AI training.

Users can disable this feature through the “Data for Generative AI Improvement” option found under the “Data Privacy” section within LinkedIn’s settings. However, it is important to note that opting out only prevents future data from being used; any information collected prior to opting out will remain part of the AI training datasets.

Who Is Affected and How to Manage Your Data

This policy change impacts LinkedIn members located in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong. Despite regional data protection laws, LinkedIn justifies the default opt-in by citing “legitimate interest” under applicable regulations.

For those wishing to formally object to their data being processed for AI training, LinkedIn provides a dedicated Data Processing Objection form. This allows users to raise concerns about the use of their content in generative AI or other machine learning models.

Importantly, LinkedIn has confirmed that data from users under the age of 18 will be excluded from AI training processes, aligning with broader efforts to protect minors’ privacy online.

Context: Industry-Wide Shift Toward AI Training Using User Data

LinkedIn’s move is part of a growing trend among major social media platforms to utilize user data for AI development. For instance, Meta announced in September 2024 that it would resume training AI models using data from Facebook and Instagram users after temporarily halting the practice due to regulatory scrutiny in the UK. Meta has since introduced clearer opt-out mechanisms to address privacy concerns.

These developments highlight the increasing reliance on real user data to refine AI technologies, raising ongoing debates about privacy, consent, and data governance in the digital age.

How to Protect Your Data on LinkedIn

• Navigate to Settings > Data Privacy > How LinkedIn Uses Your Data.
• Locate the “Data for Generative AI Improvement” toggle and switch it off to opt out.
• Submit a formal objection via LinkedIn’s Data Processing Objection form if you want to challenge the use of your data beyond the opt-out setting.

Additional Resources

• Top AI Tools to Boost Your Workplace Productivity
• Comprehensive Guide to Online Collaboration Platforms
• LinkedIn’s New Verification Requirements for Recruiters and Executives

As AI continues to evolve, understanding how your data is used and managing your privacy settings is more crucial than ever. Stay informed and take control of your digital footprint.