LinkedIn is considered the world's largest professional networking platform for job searches. However, the company is soon making some changes that could put users' privacy at risk.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is considered the world's largest professional networking platform for job searches. But the company is soon going to make some changes to this app, which could put users' privacy at risk. Yes, in fact, the company is going to make major changes to its privacy policy. The company has announced that starting November 3, Microsoft will be allowed to use user data, which will be used to train AI models and deliver personalized advertisements.

According to LinkedIn, data such as profiles, work history, education details, posts, and comments will be used. However, the company clarified that private messages will remain completely secure and will not be shared in any way.

Two major changes in the policy update

This change includes two key components: first, user activity and information will be used to improve content-generating AI models. Furthermore, Microsoft and its partners will gain access to user data to further personalize advertising.

How to Opt-Out?

LinkedIn has given users the option to opt out of having their data used for AI training or advertising. Users can revoke their consent at any time, but note that data shared before November 3rd may still be used for training unless you opt out.

How to opt out of AI training

• Open your LinkedIn account and go to Settings & Privacy.
• Select the Data Privacy section.
• Click on How LinkedIn uses your data.
• Toggle off the Data for Generative AI improvement option.

This option is on by default. Turning it off won't disable LinkedIn's AI features, but it simply won't allow your personal data to be used for training.

How to stop data sharing for ads

Go to your LinkedIn account Settings.

Open the Advertising Data section.

Turn off the Default On option there so that your data is not shared with Microsoft for personalized ads.

In which countries will the new policy be implemented?

This change will only apply to the EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong. The ad data sharing update with Microsoft will apply to the US and most other countries, but will not apply to the EU, UK, and Switzerland due to their strict privacy laws.

LinkedIn's move isn't unique. Google already uses data for its Gemini model, and Meta uses information from Facebook and Instagram for AI training.