2 weeks Ago By Omair Pall
LinkedIn, the go-to platform for professional networking, has found itself in hot water for allegedly scraping user data without consent to train its generative AI models. This revelation raises important questions about user privacy and data security. According to a report by 404Media, many LinkedIn users are unaware that their information is being collected to develop AI tools for content creation.
How to prevent LinkedIn from training their AI on your data: 1. Settings 2. Data & Privacy 3.
Data for generative AI improvement > turn off pic.twitter.com/MsxBblM9x7 — Aadit Sheth (@aaditsh) September 18, 2024 While LinkedIn isn’t the only company to face scrutiny over data practices, its methods appear particularly concerning.
Users who explore the “how LinkedIn uses your data” section in their settings may discover that the option to allow data scraping for AI improvement is switched on by default. This lack of transparency is troubling, as many users don’t realize the implications of this setting. LinkedIn is now using everyone's content to train their AI tool -- they just auto opted everyone in.
I recommend opting out now (AND that orgs put an end to auto opt-in, it's not cool) Opt out steps: Settings and Privacy > Data Privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement (OFF) pic.twitter.com/UsS61gHw4C — Rachel Tobac (@RachelTobac) September 18, 2024 When checking their data privacy settings, users might notice a toggle indicating their data has been collected for AI training.
LinkedIn describes this feature as a way to control the use of personal data for enhancing generative AI models. The irony here is striking: users must actively opt-out of a practice that was quietly implemented without their knowledge. This not only erodes trust but also raises serious ethical questions about how companies handle our data.
So, what does LinkedIn do with this data? The platform claims it uses this information to create features like AI-powered writing assistants that can help users craft professional content. While these tools can be convenient, the privacy implications are significant. If you’re concerned about your data being used for AI training, you can take steps to disable this feature.
Here’s how: 1. Open LinkedIn. 2.
Click on your profile photo at the top. 3. Go to Settings & Privacy.
4. Select Data Privacy from the left menu. 5.
Tap on Data for Generative AI improvement and turn off the option for data usage in AI training. Just discovered LinkedIn has been using everyone's posts and content to train its #AI without asking. You have to manually deselect that option.
Bad news for everyone, but especially for us creatives. By the time you figure it out, it's too late. Inescapable.
@JustineBateman pic.twitter.com/0gD8K7TVFG — Lisa Catara 💎 (@lisa_catara) September 19, 2024 By following these steps, you can regain some control over your personal information and ensure it’s not used in ways you didn’t agree to.
The LinkedIn data scraping issue serves as a reminder that while platforms offer valuable networking opportunities, they can also engage in practices that compromise our privacy. This situation reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where user data is often treated as a commodity. It’s crucial for us as users to stay informed and proactive about our online privacy, especially as similar issues arise on other major platforms like Meta's Facebook and Instagram.
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