The @ICOnews says LinkedIn has now suspended using UK user data to train AI models after the commissioner "raised concerns"https://t.co/bErhvTE9Sb
— Zoe Kleinman (@zsk) September 20, 2024
LinkedIn has suspended the use of UK user data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models after the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) raised concerns. The career-focused social networking site, owned by Microsoft, had quietly opted users worldwide into using their data for AI training. Stephen Almond, ICO’s Executive Director, said the regulator was “pleased” that LinkedIn had confirmed it had paused the use of UK users’ information.
#Technology partner Vanessa Barnett tells The Stack that LinkedIn introducing a feature that trains GenAI models on personal data without user consent means enterprises and people must pay attention to how their personal and corporate data is being used. https://t.co/Rrq6bXjKxB
— Keystone Law (@Keystone_Law) September 19, 2024
Many big tech firms, including LinkedIn, seek user-generated content on their platforms as a fresh data source for training AI tools. A LinkedIn spokesperson said the company believes users should control their data. As such, it has allowed UK users to opt out of having their data used to train its AI models.
Gen AI is always hunger for data and we are willingly providing it via social media. LinkedIn is opt-in by default https://t.co/A19KMtmlKA pic.twitter.com/DtfGESmG34
— Kuan Hoong (@kuanhoong) September 21, 2024
We’ve always used some form of automation in LinkedIn products, and we’ve always been clear that users have the choice about how their data is used,” the spokesperson added. Social platforms where users post about their lives or jobs can provide rich material to help tools sound more natural.
LinkedIn pauses AI data use
The LinkedIn spokesperson said, “The reality of where we’re at today is a lot of people are looking for help to get that first draft of that resume… to help craft messages to recruiters to get that next career opportunity. People want that edge in their careers, and what our gen-AI services do is help give them that assist.”
The company says that user data will be used to help develop its AI services and processed when users interact with tools that offer post-writing suggestions.
This will now not apply to users in the UK, alongside those in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area, and Switzerland. Meta and X (formerly known as Twitter) are among platforms like LinkedIn that want to use content posted on their platforms to help develop their generative AI tools. However, they have faced regulatory hurdles in the UK and EU, with strict privacy rules limiting how and when personal data can be collected.
Meta halted its plans to use UK adults’ public posts, comments, and images to train its AI tools in June after engaging with the data watchdog. In order to get the most out of generative AI and the opportunities it brings, it is crucial that the public can trust that their privacy rights will be respected from the outset,” said the ICO’s Mr. Almond. He said the regulator would “continue to monitor” developers such as Microsoft and LinkedIn to ensure they are protecting UK users’ data rights.
