LinkedIn has been using user profiles to train generative artificial intelligence — a quiet change that the public took notice of on Wednesday.
Users of Microsoft’s professional social networking platform first noticed a new option called “Generate AI-enhanced data” popping up in their data privacy settings.
How to turn off the Google AI overview
The settings option comes with an explanation that says this feature allows “LinkedIn and its affiliates to use the profile and content you create on LinkedIn to train generative AI models that create content.”
This setting is on by default.
Mix and match speed of light
Furthermore, as 404 Media found in its original published report ReportLinkedIn appears to have launched AI training but has not updated its terms of service to notify users.
Don’t want LinkedIn and other third parties using your LinkedIn profile to train their generative AI to build content using your posts? Here’s how to turn it off.
How to turn off LinkedIn’s AI training
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Sign in to your LinkedIn account.
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Click your profile picture on the header menu, then select Settings & Privacy in the drop-down menu.
Image source: Mashable screenshot -
Select Data Privacy on the left menu.
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Select the “Data for generative AI improvements” option at the bottom of the “How LinkedIn uses data” section.
Image source: Mashable screenshot -
Turn off the “Use my data training content to build artificial intelligence model” switch.
Image source: Mashable screenshot
Due to the EU’s strict data privacy laws, LinkedIn will not use EU users’ data for AI training.
“We are initially offering this setting to members whose profile location is outside the EU, European Economic Area, or Switzerland,” writes statement Posted on the company’s AI training FAQ page. “If you live in these regions, we and our affiliates will not use your LinkedIn profile or content to train or fine-tune generative AI models for content creation without notice.”