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Are You Overlooking This Alarming LinkedIn Setting That Feeds Your Personal Data to AI?
Microsoft, which owns LinkedIn, has updated its policy. Starting November 3, 2025, it will use your information from LinkedIn to train its artificial intelligence (AI) systems. You have the right to prevent this, but you need to act quickly.
Data protection officials strongly recommend that you object to this use of your data. If you object after the deadline, it will only stop future data use. Any information already used for AI training cannot be taken back.
What Information Will Be Used?
If you do not opt out, LinkedIn can use a wide range of your personal and professional information. This is more than just your public profile.
- Your entire employment history and listed skills.
- Your educational background, including degrees and grades.
- Any resumes or documents you have uploaded.
- Your photos and personal interests.
- All of your posts, comments, and articles.
Why This Is a Critical Concern
Once your information is fed into an AI model, it is almost impossible to remove. This data helps the AI generate content and analyses, which could affect your career. For example, companies might use AI-driven tools on LinkedIn for hiring. If these tools analyze data you did not consent to share, it could create unforeseen disadvantages for you in the job market. You should control how your professional identity is used.
How to Opt Out and Avoid Confusion
You can opt out by changing your LinkedIn settings. It only takes a few clicks. However, be aware that the settings page can be misleading.
LinkedIn’s design may guide you toward sharing your data. For instance, the toggle switch for data sharing is green when “On,” a color that often suggests a correct or positive choice. The setting is titled “Data to improve generative AI,” which sounds beneficial. To protect your data, you must move this toggle from “On” to “Off,” which may turn it black or gray. Do not be confused by the wording or colors. You must actively turn the setting off to prevent your data from being used.
Take a few moments to review your LinkedIn privacy settings today to ensure your information remains private. Detailed instructions on how to file a formal objection are available from data protection authorities, such as the State Commissioner for Data Protection in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.