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LinkedIn Faces Privacy Backlash Over AI Training Plans
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) has issued an urgent warning to LinkedIn's 1.7 million Dutch users, urging them to disable a default setting that allows their profile data to be used for artificial intelligence training. The professional networking platform plans to begin using user data for AI development starting November 3, 2025.
Default Opt-In Raises Privacy Concerns
According to the privacy watchdog, LinkedIn has enabled the AI data collection feature by default, meaning all user profiles, including names, photos, posts, and comments dating back to 2003, will automatically be used to train AI systems unless users actively opt out. "LinkedIn wants to use data going back to 2003, while people shared that information back then without foreseeing it would be used for AI training," said AP Vice-Chair Monique Verdier.
How LinkedIn's AI Training Works
The Microsoft-owned platform is developing AI systems that can generate professional content, including LinkedIn's AI-powered writing assistant that helps users draft messages. These systems learn by analyzing vast amounts of existing content to understand patterns and generate similar text. The process, known as "training," requires extensive data to function effectively.
Broader Tech Industry Trend
This move follows similar actions by Meta, which began using Facebook and Instagram user data for AI training in May 2025. The AP has questioned whether this "opt-out" approach complies with European privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Regulatory oversight for these platforms falls to Irish authorities since most major tech companies have their European headquarters in Ireland.
How to Protect Your Data
Users who wish to prevent their data from being used for AI training can disable the setting through LinkedIn's privacy preferences or by visiting the dedicated settings page. LinkedIn confirms that private messages are excluded from AI training, and profiles suspected to belong to minors are also protected.
