Linked decided yesterday (18th Sep 2024) that it will automatically switch on scraping of all its users’ data for AI training purposes.
The setting options come with an explanation saying that this feature gives “LinkedIn and its affiliates” permission to “use your personal data and content you create on LinkedIn to train generative AI models that create content.”
The setting is turned on by default. As @sggrc always says, “the tyranny of the default”!
In addition, there has been no update to the Linkedin Terms of Service to inform users of this change.
It’s beyond belief that companies are still doing this after the massive industry outcry against auto AI training schemes, along with the growing number of lawsuits targeting copyright infringement in the AI arena. This can only be seen as a blatant breach of Linkedin users trust.
For those who understand the security and privacy implications of this, you can switch off this “feature” as follows:
- login to your Linkedin account
- click your profile image and select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown
- choose “Data privacy” in the left menu
- select “Data for Generative AI Improvement”
- toggle the setting to off
For those who are unsure, it is strongly suggested to take the above action to protect your data.
Let’s hope that at some point, private companies will learn (or be forced) to respect their customers’ data. Don’t hold your breath though.