Starting November 3, 2025, LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, will begin using select user data to train generative AI models and share more information with Microsoft for personalized advertising. The changes align with other tech firms that use platform data to power AI.
LinkedIn says private messages will remain excluded from AI training and ad targeting. The platform states its aim is to enhance user experience, content creation, and professional connections by improving AI models and ad relevance.
The policy changes will not apply uniformly worldwide. In regions including the EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong, LinkedIn will use user data for AI training under “legitimate interest” and allow opt-outs. In other areas, the new ad data-sharing provisions will largely apply, while AI data use may remain unchanged.
Users who do not want their data used for AI training can disable it under Settings & Privacy → Data Privacy → Data for Generative AI Improvement. This option is enabled by default, and opting out only affects data collected after the change. For advertising, users may disable expanded data sharing through the “Advertising Data / Data sharing with affiliates” option.
It is important to note that data collected before opting out may still be used for future model training.
LinkedIn’s policy update underscores the tension between using data for AI innovation and protecting user privacy. As these changes roll out, users and regulators will be watching closely to see how LinkedIn balances data use, transparency, and user control.
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