LinkedIn Halts AI Training with Data from UK Users

25.09.2024

LinkedIn has acknowledged concerns raised by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regarding its approach to training generative AI models using information from UK users. Stephen Almond, ICO’s executive director, noted that many big tech companies are looking at user-generated content on their platforms as a fresh source of data to train AI tools. Generative AI tools, such as chatbots like ChatGPT or image generators like Midjourney, learn from vast amounts of text and image data.

However, a LinkedIn spokesperson told BBC News that the company believes users should have control over their data. As a result, UK users now have the option to opt out of having their data used to train AI models. The spokesperson added that LinkedIn has always used some form of automation in its products and has consistently allowed users to choose how their data is utilized.

Social platforms where users share details about their lives or jobs can provide valuable material to help AI tools sound more natural. LinkedIn’s spokesperson mentioned that users often seek assistance in crafting resumes or messages to recruiters, and LinkedIn’s AI services help provide that edge in career development.

The company’s global privacy policy states that user data will be used to help develop its AI services. It also explains in a help article that data will be processed when users interact with tools offering post-writing suggestions. However, this will no longer apply to users in the UK, European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland.

Other platforms like Meta and X (formerly Twitter) have also sought to use user-generated content to train AI tools but have faced regulatory challenges in the UK and EU due to strict privacy regulations. Meta, for instance, paused its plans to use public posts, comments, and images from UK adults in June following criticism and concerns from the ICO. The company has since re-notified UK users of its plans and clarified its opt-out process after discussions with the regulator.

LinkedIn is expected to undergo a similar process before it can resume plans to use UK user data for training its AI tools. ICO’s Stephen Almond emphasized the importance of public trust and the protection of privacy rights as generative AI technologies continue to develop. The ICO will continue to monitor companies like Microsoft and LinkedIn to ensure the data rights of UK users are respected.