If you’re on LinkedIn and based in Australia, there’s a good chance your personal data is being used to train AI models – unless you take action. A feature called ‘Data for Generative AI Improvement’ has been automatically switched on for users outside the EU, EEA, UK, or Switzerland. This gives LinkedIn and its affiliates permission to use your personal data, including profile info and posts, to train AI models.

The catch? Many users don’t even know this setting exists. While you can turn it off, doing so only stops your data from being used going forward. Any data already collected is still in play. This raises concerns around informed consent and how transparent these companies are being with their users.

Meta’s Similar Controversy

This isn’t the first time a tech giant has come under fire for similar practices. Just last week, Meta admitted to scraping Australian users’ public data – including posts and photos from Facebook and Instagram, going back as far as 2007 – to train its generative AI models.

During a recent inquiry, Meta’s privacy policy director, Melinda Claybaugh, confirmed that Australian users had no option to opt out, unlike those in Europe. If your posts weren’t set to private, your data was collected.

The ‘Dark Side’ of Big Tech

According to Dr. James Birt, an associate professor at Bond University, the default LinkedIn setting is a classic example of big tech’s “dark side.” He pointed out that the lack of a proactive opt-in and the quiet activation of this feature rely on users’ ignorance or inaction.

“Sure, people can opt out, but how many even know the setting exists? It highlights the growing ethical concerns around how companies like LinkedIn use personal data to fuel AI advancements,” Dr. Birt said.

What LinkedIn Is Doing With Your Data

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, uses generative AI models for various features, like its AI writing assistant that helps users draft messages. LinkedIn says it may use either its own AI models or those provided by third parties, such as Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI service.

However, Greg Snapper, a spokesperson for LinkedIn, clarified that they are not sending your data directly to OpenAI. Instead, the data is used to refine LinkedIn’s own AI tools. When you check LinkedIn’s FAQ on the ‘Data for Generative AI Improvement’ setting, the company insists that it minimizes the amount of personal data used in AI training, often redacting or removing sensitive details.

Despite these claims, privacy advocates argue that these default settings infringe on users’ rights to fully understand and control how their data is used.

Why Should You Care?

A LinkedIn spokesperson defended the feature, stating that users have control over how their data is used. But the reality is many users are unaware of the setting, and it’s automatically switched on.

LinkedIn says its AI-powered tools can help users with tasks like writing resumes or sending messages to recruiters. While that’s a useful feature, it comes with the trade-off of handing over your personal data to improve AI models.

Global Concerns Over Data and AI

The problem extends far beyond LinkedIn. A recent report from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revealed that social media companies have been engaged in “vast surveillance” of users’ data. The report highlighted how platforms collect and monetize billions of dollars worth of personal information, often without adequate protections for children and teenagers.

UN experts have also warned about the unchecked development of AI, calling for stronger global governance. The concern is that AI is advancing at a rapid pace, but the rules and regulations that should govern its development are lagging behind.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that AI needs to serve humanity fairly and safely, warning of the risks it poses to privacy, democracy, and global stability if left unchecked.

How to Protect Your Data on LinkedIn

If you’re outside the EU, EEA, UK, or Switzerland, it’s essential to take control of your LinkedIn settings. Here’s how to opt out of the ‘Data for Generative AI Improvement’ feature:

1. Go to your LinkedIn settings.
2. Navigate to the ‘Data Privacy’ section.
3. Find the ‘Data for Generative AI Improvement’ option.
4. Switch it off.

By doing this, you stop LinkedIn from using your data for AI training in the future, but it won’t affect any data already collected.

As AI becomes an even bigger part of how tech companies operate, staying informed and taking action is more important than ever to protect your privacy.