LinkedIn by Microsoft Alerts Users: AI Models Will Be Auto-Trained Using Your Data, With Opt-Out Option Available

LinkedIn, a subsidiary of Microsoft, has recently informed its users about enhancements to its artificial intelligence features that will utilize member data for AI model training. According to an email sent to users, members now have the ability to opt-out of this data collection by adjusting specific settings.

Data for Generative AI Improvement on LinkedIn — Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

The notice from LinkedIn indicates that starting November 3, 2025, data from all users, including those in European Economic Area (EEA) countries, will be used to enhance AI functionalities aimed at improving user experiences. This policy will also impact members based in the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

LinkedIn’s communications suggest that sharing data could benefit users by enhancing interaction with potential employers. However, it’s crucial to critically assess these claims as they are designed to encourage users to keep the data-sharing option enabled, potentially leading many to unconsciously agree.

It is important to note that LinkedIn’s AI models will also learn from public profiles and posts. This raises concerns that content generated by their AI tools, such as the “Rewrite using AI” feature, may become homogenized, reflecting patterns and styles already prevalent on the platform.

LinkedIn email on AI use — Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

If you are located in the EEA or the UK, you will have enhanced options with explicit assurances that your personal information won’t be used for generative AI training without your consent. Testing has revealed that the “Data for Generative AI Improvement” setting is defaulted to on, meaning users must actively choose to opt-out to prevent their data from being utilized for this purpose.

Opting Out of LinkedIn’s AI Training

Turn off LinkedIn AI training — How to turn off LinkedIn AI training (opt-out toggle)

To opt-out of LinkedIn’s AI training, navigate to Settings > Data Privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement, and switch off “Use my data for training content creation AI models.” For quick access, you can also follow this link to LinkedIn’s settings.

It’s worth noting that opting out does not reverse any prior training conducted on your data. According to LinkedIn, “Turning the setting off means that we (LinkedIn and our affiliates) won’t use the data and content you provided to LinkedIn to train models that generate content going forward.” However, previously collected data will remain in their models.

LinkedIn has clarified that private messages and certain forms of content will not contribute to AI training, offering some level of privacy assurance to users.

LinkedIn’s AI Features and Their Microsoft Ties

Despite being a part of Microsoft, LinkedIn retains a degree of operational independence, allowing it to pursue its own path in developing AI capabilities. The platform already incorporates AI features, utilizing models powered by Microsoft’s OpenAI technology.

Users may frequently see prompts to leverage the “Rewrite with AI” feature during their posting process, showcasing LinkedIn’s commitment to integrating AI into its user experience. It is anticipated that the platform will continue to refine its AI models to better cater to the job market and user expectations.

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