LinkedIn Halts AI Data Processing for UK Users: What You Need to Know
In a recent development, the U.K.’s data protection watchdog has confirmed that Microsoft-owned LinkedIn has temporarily stopped processing user data for AI model training. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the social network's approach to training generative AI models with information related to its U.K. users.
Steven Almond, executive director of regulatory risk for the Information Commissioner’s Office, expressed satisfaction with LinkedIn's decision to suspend model training pending further engagement with the ICO. This move follows a quiet edit to LinkedIn's privacy policy, where the U.K. was added to the list of regions where users cannot opt out of data processing for AI training.
LinkedIn's general counsel, Blake Lawit, clarified that the platform is not enabling training for generative AI on member data from the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The company's updated blog post emphasized that no setting will be provided to members in those regions until further notice.
Privacy experts and advocacy groups, such as the Open Rights Group, have criticized LinkedIn's actions and the ICO's response. The ORG filed a complaint about consentless data processing for AI, highlighting the need for affirmative consent from users. They argue that relying on opt-out mechanisms is insufficient to protect users' rights.
This development comes on the heels of Meta (Facebook and Instagram's owner) resuming data processing for training its AIs on U.K. users. Despite previous concerns raised by the ICO, the regulator has not intervened in Meta's data harvesting practices.
Mariano delli Santi from the ORG underscored the importance of requiring platforms to obtain upfront opt-in consent from users. He criticized the opt-out model as inadequate for safeguarding user rights and called for a more proactive approach to data protection.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for users to stay informed and advocate for stronger data privacy measures. By understanding how their data is being used and demanding transparency and consent, individuals can protect their online privacy and hold tech companies accountable for their practices.