- LinkedIn will enable data use for AI models and advertising by default, with the option to opt out.
- Scope varies by region: in Europe and other markets, AI training is prioritized; in the US, advertising targeting is more important.
- There are controls to disable data sharing with Microsoft and limit its use for generative AI.
- The measure is part of Microsoft's HR strategy, with products such as Hiring Assistant.
LinkedIn has set course for a profound adjustment in the use of data for artificial intelligence and advertising, with an update to its terms and privacy policy that introduces automatic participation unless the user objectsThe movement, driven by its Microsoft parent company, reopens the debate on how to balance innovation and control of personal information.
Beyond the legal label, what is relevant is that The professional network will use information from profiles, publications and activity to feed generative models and improve ad targeting. Those who prefer to limit this treatment can deactivate it in the settings., so It is advisable to know the details and steps to protect the account without detours..
What exactly is changing on LinkedIn?
The company has announced a modification of its conditions that, in practical terms, enables the use of default member data for two fronts: AI model training and advertising effectiveness, including sharing with Microsoft and subsidiaries. Upon its entry into force, the user will be automatically enrolled unless they access the settings and deactivate it.
In markets such as the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Canada, LinkedIn indicates that it will use information from public profiles and content to perfect AI-based tools (e.g., text generation features or more precise talent searches). The official narrative promises better suggestions and smoother hiring processes.
In the United States, Hong Kong and other regions, the emphasis is shifting to advertising: the platform will be able to share feed activity, interactions, and profile data with Microsoft and its subsidiaries to optimize campaigns and measurement.
The opt-out approach implies that the responsibility lies with the user, something that clashes with the spirit of the GDPR informed consentIn fact, Article 22 of the European regulation recalls that automated decision-making requires additional safeguards and explicit consent where appropriate, a point the AEPD frequently emphasizes.
LinkedIn also notes that it may introduce changes and not always notify them individually, so it is advisable to periodically review your privacy settings to maintain effective control.
Why this shift towards AI
The bet responds to a broader strategy of Microsoft in solutions of AI-powered Human Resources. According to industry sources, products such as LinkedIn Hiring Assistant They are already in the hands of large corporations (Siemens and Verizon, among others) to shorten contracting periods, with internal figures indicating reductions of up to 40%.
For that promise to be real, models need volume and variety of real data: profiles, skills, interactions, and results. Without this reinforcement, systems fail to achieve the precision demanded by the labor market and cannot scale with quality.
The company also argues for improvements in tools content generation and user experience online, from more refined recommendations to assistance in writing or adjusting your profile to make it more visible to recruiters.
The big controversy is not the technology itself, but the consent mechanism: a widespread opt-out shifts the burden to the user and excludes anyone who doesn't find the right fit, as opposed to an opt-in that would require clear and active authorization. Regulatory differences between regions explain why LinkedIn adopts different approaches depending on the jurisdiction.
How to disable the use of your data
If you do not want your information to feed models or campaigns, You can limit it with a few steps from the settings. Please note that the Menu names may vary depending on country, language or version of the app.
- Login to your account from the web or app and tap your profile picture.
- Sign in «Settings and privacy» (or “Settings & Privacy”).
- For the advertising part, go to "Advertising data" and locate "Advertiser data for ads". Disable it.
- For model training, go to Data Privacy and look for an option similar to "Data to Improve Generative AI" or "Data Privacy and Use for AI Functions." Set the switch to Off.
- Save the changes and, if you want to make sure, log out and log back in to verify that the preferences persist.
As these policies are updated frequently, it is advisable to review the sections of the policy from time to time. Privacy and Advertising Data to confirm that nothing has been reactivated due to global changes.
What data comes into play and what limits there are
The update mainly affects profile data, public activity and interactions within the platform. Clear limits apply in Europe: processing must be proportionate, transparent, and supported by an appropriate legal basis, with additional safeguards when automated decisions have significant effects.
In practice, this translates into more transparency about how your contributions are used (posts, comments, reactions) to improve algorithms, and the existence of levers to exit this use both in generative AI and in targeted advertising.
For those seeking balance, it makes sense to evaluate whether the potential advantages (better tools and professional visibility) outweigh the broader data transfer. And if the answer is no, adjust the settings to the exposure level you're comfortable with.
LinkedIn is moving forward with its integration with AI while strengthening its advertising business, and leaving the handbrake in the hands of the user: the opt-out options They are the way to continue using the network without giving away more information than necessary.
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