Protect your personal data. LinkedIn is changing how it uses your information. Starting November 3, 2025, sensitive data could be used for AI training. A challenge arises: how to counter this insidious use?
The stakes are high, transparency fades in the face of obscure practices. Profile data, posts, and activity history become instruments without your explicit consent. In light of this situation, it becomes imperative to withdraw your consent and protect your valuable personal data.
Knowing the opt-out options and where the settings are located gives you an essential lever. Indeed, vigilance is crucial to maintain control over your digital identity.
Data Collection on LinkedIn
Since November 3, 2025, LinkedIn has changed its data collection practices.
Data Concerned by LinkedIn’s AI
The privacy notice, specific to the European region, details the types of data collected. Specifically, LinkedIn states it allows itself to use:
- Profile data: name, photo, current position, education, and skills.
- Published content: posts, articles, and comments shared by users.
- Activity history: interactions with the news feed, page visits, and job searches.
- Technical data: IP address, device identifier, and browser type.
- Deductive data: age range, gender, location, and interests.
- Verification data: information about the employer and provided contact details.
- Entries in AI tools: texts, resumes, and goals reported in AI-based features.
- Feedback and comments: opinions conveyed about tools and features.
This collection encompasses a wide range of information, raising concerns about the extent of their use.
How to Oppose This Data Collection
To counter this predominant use of your data, LinkedIn offers an opt-out option. Users can go to their account privacy settings to disable the option: “Use my data to train content creation AI models.” This measure offers some control over data use, although it remains rather obscure.
The Ethical Implications of This Practice
LinkedIn’s strategy raises debates among industry professionals. According to experts, the reliance on legitimate interest could be seen as a way to bypass the need for explicit consent. This approach to data collection could foster a sense of mistrust among users. Companies, by misinterpreting this legal exception, undermine the principles of data protection.
Examples of Alternatives and Initiatives
Other companies are taking initiatives to ensure better data protection. For example, recent research, such as that presented here, explores ways to manage user data collection while preserving their privacy. Furthermore, an ethical framework is emerging around the use of AI, as indicated by some in-depth social studies.
Promising projects also exist where techniques will allow AIs to forget personal data, thus circumventing privacy issues. These technological advances can play a decisive role in the future of data collection.
In this context, increased vigilance is required. Users must understand the implications of data collection on digital platforms and stay informed about their rights. Security issues thus become paramount, given the new opportunities that AI generates in the professional world.
LinkedIn users are therefore called to be aware of this dynamic. The way they choose to manage their data can impact not only their own experience but also how companies use data more broadly.
User FAQ: Protect Your Data on LinkedIn
How can I oppose the use of my data by LinkedIn to train its AI?
To oppose this use, go to your LinkedIn account and disable the option titled “Use my data to train content creation AI models.”
What personal data does LinkedIn use for its AI?
LinkedIn primarily uses data from your profile, your published content, your activity history, as well as technical and deduced data.
Will I be informed beforehand before LinkedIn uses my data for AI?
Yes, LinkedIn displays an informative banner on its interface to warn users before it begins using their data.
Does LinkedIn ask for explicit consent to collect my data?
No, LinkedIn relies on legitimate interest to avoid asking for explicit consent for data processing.
What should I do if I want my data not to be used at all?
You can disable the data collection option by following the steps mentioned above, but also regularly check your privacy settings.
Can LinkedIn change its data collection policy in the future?
Yes, like any platform, LinkedIn can modify its privacy policies, so it is advisable to stay informed about updates via their site.
Are the data I share on LinkedIn secure?
LinkedIn takes measures to secure your data, but it is essential to remain vigilant and review your privacy settings regularly.
What should I do if I suspect my data has been used inappropriately?
It is advisable to contact LinkedIn support immediately to express your concerns and explore available options.
