LinkedIn, the career-focused social platform owned by Microsoft, has paused using UK user data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models following concerns raised by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The decision comes after it was revealed that users worldwide had automatically opted into having their data used for AI training without explicit consent.
The ICO expressed its satisfaction with LinkedIn’s decision, stating it is “pleased” the platform responded to their concerns regarding the use of UK users’ information. The ICO’s executive director Stephen Almond noted that LinkedIn had reflected on the privacy issues raised.
He said, “We are pleased that LinkedIn has reflected on the concerns we raised about its approach to training generative AI models with information relating to its UK users.”
LinkedIn, along with other tech giants, has been leveraging user-generated content to train AI models, particularly for tools like chatbots and image generators. However, the use of personal data for AI development has attracted increased scrutiny, particularly in the UK and European Union (EU), where stricter privacy regulations apply.
A LinkedIn spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to giving users control over their data and noted that UK users now have the option to opt out of their data being used for AI training. The platform clarified that AI services, like those assisting users in drafting resumes or messages to recruiters, aim to provide career-enhancing benefits. However, LinkedIn’s privacy policy and help articles have been updated to ensure transparency about data use for AI development.
Similar challenges have been faced by other platforms like Meta, which halted its plans to use public posts from UK users to train its AI models in June. Like LinkedIn, Meta has engaged with the ICO and now offers clearer opt-out options for users.
LinkedIn’s pause on data use for AI training in the UK mirrors restrictions already in place for users in the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. The company is expected to work closely with the ICO to resume its AI training initiatives in compliance with local privacy laws.
The ICO has vowed to continue monitoring tech companies, including Microsoft and LinkedIn, to ensure they uphold data protection standards. “In order to get the most out of generative AI and the opportunities it brings, it is crucial that the public can trust that their privacy rights will be respected from the outset,” said Almond.
