TLDR: Microsoft’s professional networking platform, LinkedIn, is set to commence using its members’ data for training content-generating AI models starting November 3, 2025. This new policy, which applies to users in the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong, will see all eligible members automatically opted-in. Users concerned about their data privacy can manually opt out through their account settings, although data processed prior to opting out will still be utilized for AI training.
Starting November 3, 2025, LinkedIn, a subsidiary of Microsoft, will implement a new policy to leverage its vast repository of user data for the training of content-generating artificial intelligence models. This significant change, initially announced in September 2025, will affect millions of users across the United Kingdom, European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong. Notably, users under the age of 18 will be excluded from this initiative.
The core of this policy is an ‘opt-in by default’ approach, meaning that unless users actively adjust their privacy settings, their data will automatically be included in the AI training datasets. This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to integrate more user data into its expanding AI ecosystem, following similar shifts in other Microsoft products.
The types of LinkedIn data slated for AI training include a comprehensive range of professional information: member profiles (encompassing names, photos, current and past work experience, education, location, skills, publications, patents, endorsements, and recommendations), job-related data such as resumes, public posts, and general feed activity. LinkedIn has clarified that private messages will not be used for AI training.
This development has raised concerns regarding user consent and data protection, particularly given the default opt-in mechanism. Privacy advocates and users are urged to review their settings. To opt out, members can navigate to ‘Account’ > ‘Settings & Privacy’ > ‘Data Privacy’ > ‘Data for Generative AI Improvement’ and toggle the setting off. Additionally, users can submit an objection via the Data Processing Objection Form.
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It is crucial for users to understand that while opting out will prevent future data from being used for AI training, any data collected and processed before the opt-out action will remain part of LinkedIn’s AI development process indefinitely. This policy update underscores the ongoing tension between technological innovation, particularly in AI, and individual data privacy rights, prompting a critical decision for professionals regarding their digital footprint on the platform.
