LinkedIn AI: How to Protect Your LinkedIn Data from AI Training

Introduction:

Have you ever wondered how LinkedIn is using your data? Without most users even knowing, LinkedIn has been quietly collecting data to train generative AI models. While these models are designed to enhance features like content creation, many users are concerned about how their personal information is being used. The good news? You can take control of your data and opt-out of these LinkedIn AI training practices and protect your LinkedIn Data.

In this article, you’ll learn how to protect your LinkedIn data, including a step-by-step guide on opting out of LinkedIn AI training.

How LinkedIn Uses Your Data for AI Training

LinkedIn, the professional social network, introduced a privacy setting called “Data for Generative AI Improvement.” This setting allows LinkedIn AI to use your profile information and content (such as posts) to train AI models that help create content on the platform. Unfortunately, this setting is turned on by default, and many users are unaware that their data is being used in this way.

According to LinkedIn’s Generative AI (GAI) FAQs, when you engage with generative AI features like “Writing Suggestions,” LinkedIn AI processes the personal data you provide or generate during use. For example, when using writing suggestions, the AI may pull information from your profile, posts, or even the names you mention in the input, generating content based on that data.

LinkedIn clarifies that although they try to minimize personal data in their training datasets using privacy-enhancing technologies, your data could still be used if you haven’t opted out. It’s important to note that users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are protected from having their personal data used for content-generating AI model training under current regulations.

What AI Training Involves

• LinkedIn collects personal data like profile details, posts, and interactions.
• This data is used to train generative AI models that power features like writing assistants.
• AI training can help enhance tools that generate personalized content for users.

If you’re not comfortable with this, it’s essential to take action by opting out.

How to Turn Off LinkedIn’s AI Training

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to stop LinkedIn from using your data to train AI models:

Log in to LinkedIn.

Go to your profile and click on Settings & Privacy in the dropdown menu.

On the left-hand side, choose Data Privacy. find and click the Data for Generative AI Improvement section.

Toggle the switch to “off” under the “Use my data for training content creation AI models” option.

Important: Turning off this setting will stop LinkedIn from using your data for future LinkedIn AI training, but any data that’s already been used to train models cannot be undone.

For Non-EU Users

Thanks to strict data privacy laws in the EU, LinkedIn does not currently use data from users in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland to train AI models. If you live outside of these regions, however, your data may already be part of the training process.

Additional Opt-Out Steps for Complete Control

Opting out of generative AI training does not completely remove your data from all LinkedIn AI models. To ensure full control over your data:

• Complete the LinkedIn Data Processing Objection Form. This will prevent LinkedIn from using your data in models that are used for personalization or moderation.
• Keep in mind, even after opting out, you may still use generative AI features like LinkedIn’s writing assistant, but your data will not be used to train future models.

What Personal Data Is Used: When you interact with LinkedIn’s generative AI features (such as writing suggestions), LinkedIn processes the data you provide as input, or any data the feature generates based on your profile. This includes personal data like your inputs, usage information, language preferences, and even the feedback you give after using the feature.

How Long Is Your Data Stored: LinkedIn stores the personal data and content generated by generative AI features until you choose to delete it. If you want to review the personal data LinkedIn has collected or request deletion, you can use LinkedIn’s data access tool to manage your stored information.

Further Tips to Protect Your Data on LinkedIn

In addition to opting out of AI training, LinkedIn provides several options for managing and protecting your personal data:

1. Delete Data:
   • You can erase or delete all or some of your personal data from LinkedIn.
   • If you want to delete all your data, closing your account will generally result in data deletion within 30 days, though exceptions may apply (see Section 4.3 of LinkedIn’s Privacy Policy).
   • You can also delete specific data, such as profile edits, comments on posts, or past searches.
2. Access and Download Data:
   • You have the option to download a copy of your personal data from LinkedIn.
   • Log in to LinkedIn.
   • Go to your profile and click on Settings & Privacy in the dropdown menu.
   • On the left-hand side, choose Data Privacy.
   • find the Get a copy of your data section.
3. Change or Correct Data:
   • You can change, update, or correct certain personal data, including certifications, job positions, and posts.
   • You can also adjust the visibility of your profile, manage privacy preferences, and modify your ad settings.
4. Restrict or Object to the Use of Data:
   • You can ask LinkedIn to stop using all or some of your personal data by adjusting your privacy or ad settings.
   • You can also control how you are notified through emails and other notifications.
   • If you wish to stop third-party apps from accessing your LinkedIn data, you can manage or revoke access at any time.

These measures give you greater control over your personal data and provide additional protection against its misuse.

Why This Matters for You

For tech professionals like Alex Innovator—who often lead digital transformation efforts—the privacy of personal and company data is crucial. Balancing the benefits of AI-driven features with data protection is a key concern. As AI technology evolves, protecting sensitive information ensures you stay in control of how your data is used.

Key Takeaways

• LinkedIn has automatically opted you in to use your data for AI training.
• Follow the steps above to opt-out of AI model training.
• Consider submitting the Data Processing Objection Form for further data privacy.
• Even after opting out, LinkedIn’s generative AI tools will still be available to you, but your data will not contribute to model training.
• Use LinkedIn’s data management tools to delete, access, change, or restrict the use of your personal data to maintain control over your online presence.

By taking these steps, you’ll have greater control over how your personal data is used, keeping your LinkedIn experience both secure and AI-powered on your terms.