LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, has updated its terms of service to allow the collection of user data for training AI models starting November 3, 2025. The move has sparked discussions about data privacy, personalized ads, and user control.
While LinkedIn insists that private messages won’t be used, your profile data and public posts could fuel AI improvements and be shared with Microsoft for targeted advertising. But here’s the catch: you still have the power to opt out.
This article breaks down what LinkedIn’s AI update means, its advantages and risks, and how you can protect your personal data.
What’s Changing in LinkedIn’s Data Policy?
LinkedIn announced that from November 3, 2025, the platform will:
- Collect profile details and public posts for training generative AI models.
- Use the data to enhance AI features, such as smarter job recommendations and networking tools.
- Share some user data with Microsoft and its affiliates for personalized ad targeting.
- Exclude private messages from AI training.
This update affects users in:
- European Union (EU)
- European Economic Area (EEA)
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Switzerland
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Why LinkedIn Wants Your Data for AI Training
LinkedIn is framing this shift as a way to:
- Enhance user experience with better job matches, AI-powered insights, and networking opportunities.
- Strengthen Microsoft’s ad network by showing more relevant ads across platforms.
- Keep up with rivals, like OpenAI, which is planning an AI-powered jobs platform by 2026.
In short, your data becomes a valuable resource for improving AI algorithms and monetizing ads.
The Privacy Trade-Off: Pros and Cons
Like most tech updates, LinkedIn’s policy has both upsides and concerns.
✅ Pros:
- Smarter job search tools powered by generative AI.
- Improved content recommendations tailored to professional interests.
- Enhanced networking insights to connect with relevant people.
❌ Cons:
- Increased data privacy risks, as your professional activity fuels AI.
- More personalized ads, which can feel invasive.
- Lack of clarity on long-term data usage and storage.
This raises the question: Should professionals trade privacy for convenience?
How LinkedIn Compares with Other Platforms
LinkedIn isn’t alone. Other platforms are also leveraging user data for AI:
- Facebook/Meta: Uses massive data sets to train AI-driven feeds and ads.
- Google: Uses Gmail, Search, and YouTube data to optimize AI and advertising.
- OpenAI: Developing AI-powered job search, positioning itself as a LinkedIn competitor.
Unlike some rivals, LinkedIn gives users clear opt-out options, which is a critical difference.
How to Stop LinkedIn From Using Your Data
You don’t have to give up control. Here’s how you can opt out of LinkedIn’s AI training and ad sharing:
🔹 Stop LinkedIn AI Training
- Go to Settings & Privacy.
- Tap Data Privacy.
- Navigate to How LinkedIn uses your data → Data for Generative AI Improvement.
- Toggle it off.
🔹 Stop Targeted Ads with Microsoft
- Open Settings & Privacy.
- Select Advertising Data.
- Scroll to Off LinkedIn data → Share data with affiliates and partners.
- Toggle it off.
This ensures your profile data won’t be shared for AI training or ad targeting.
Expert Insight: Is This the Future of Work Platforms?
As AI becomes deeply embedded in professional tools, data is the new currency. LinkedIn’s update highlights a broader trend where platforms are:
- Using AI to improve user engagement.
- Shaping the job market with predictive recommendations.
- Blurring lines between networking and advertising.
For professionals, this means balancing career growth opportunities with data privacy awareness.
Conclusion: Should You Opt Out or Stay In?
LinkedIn’s AI push can make the platform smarter and more personalized, but it comes at the cost of user data control. Thankfully, you’re not powerless — you can choose how your data is used.
If you value privacy, consider opting out. If you want AI-powered features and recommendations, leaving it on may enhance your experience.
Either way, staying informed is key.
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FAQs About LinkedIn AI Data Policy
1. Does LinkedIn use private messages for AI training?
No. LinkedIn clearly states that private messages will not be collected for AI training.
2. Can I stop LinkedIn from sharing my data with Microsoft?
Yes. You can go into Advertising Data settings and toggle off data sharing with affiliates and partners.
3. Will opting out affect my LinkedIn experience?
Not significantly. You may still see ads, but they won’t be as personalized. AI-based recommendations may also be less refined.
4. Is LinkedIn the only platform doing this?
No. Platforms like Google, Meta, and OpenAI are also using user data to power AI-driven tools and ads.
5. Why should professionals care about this update?
Because it directly impacts data privacy, ad personalization, and the future of job networking.
