An update to LinkedIn's Privacy Policy has automatically opted in users to allowing their personal data to be used to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) models.
The update states the platform may "use personal data to improve, develop, and provide products and services, develop and train artificial intelligence (AI) models, develop, provide, and personalise our services, and gain insights with the help of AI, automated systems, and inferences, so that our services can be more relevant and useful to you and others".
LinkedIn has said that it processes the data that users provide to generative AI powered features (such as writing suggestions) or content LinkedIn might create if a generative AI powered feature is used (such as profile writing suggestions).
"Like other features on LinkedIn, when you engage with generative AI powered features we process your interactions with the feature, which may include personal data (e.g., your inputs and resulting outputs, your usage information, your language preference, and any feedback you provide)," the platform said in its help section.
LinkedIn’s Responsible AI Principles, released last year, include advancing economic opportunity; upholding trust; promoting fairness and inclusion; providing transparency; and embracing accountability.
In a post co-authored by the company's SVP and general counsel, Blake Law, and VP of engineering, head of data and AI, Ya Xu, LinkedIn said it has long used AI to enhance its members’ professional experiences.
"By leveraging the power of AI, we help our members connect, increase productivity and achieve success in their careers," the pair said.
"While AI has enormous potential to expand access to opportunity and ultimately transform the world of work in positive ways, the stakes are high. The use of AI comes with risks and potential for harm. That’s why, consistent with our commitment to build a trustworthy platform, we must continue to use AI responsibly."
The update to LinkedIn's Privacy Policy comes shortly after Meta admitted to collecting data from public photos and posts from Facebook and Instagram and feeding it into its AI training models since 2007.
Those from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom aren't opted in to the setting on LinkedIn, likely due to stricter privacy laws as a result of the GDPR.
Similarly, Meta's global privacy policy director, Melinda Claybaugh, said those in Europe can opt out of Meta's mass data collection but Australians cannot, as "in Europe there is an ongoing legal question around what is the interpretation of existing privacy law with respect to AI training."
Upcoming changes to the Privacy Act in Australia are set to cover such areas as how first-party and third-party data can be collected and used, as well as outlining definitions of personal information.
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