LinkedIn has halted the use of data from UK users for training its artificial intelligence (AI) models following concerns raised by a regulatory body. The career-oriented social networking platform, owned by Microsoft, had previously allowed users globally to opt-in for their data to be utilized in training AI models. However, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) announced on Friday that it was "pleased" to learn that LinkedIn has paused its use of information from UK users. LinkedIn expressed its willingness to engage in further discussions with the ICO. Stephen Almond, the ICO's executive director, noted, "We are pleased that LinkedIn has considered the concerns we raised regarding its methods for training generative AI models using information from UK users. " Many major tech companies, including LinkedIn, are exploring user-generated content from their platforms as a new data source for developing AI tools. "Generative" AI tools, such as chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT or image generators like Midjourney, rely on extensive amounts of text and image data to learn. A LinkedIn representative informed BBC News that the company believes users should have control over their data. Therefore, it has provided UK users with the option to opt out of having their data used for AI model training. "We have consistently utilized some level of automation in LinkedIn products and have always been transparent that users can choose how their data is utilized, " the spokesperson stated. Social media platforms where users share information about their lives or careers can offer valuable content to help AI tools sound more coherent. The spokesperson highlighted, "Many people today are seeking assistance in crafting their resumes or communicating with recruiters for new job opportunities.

Our generative AI services aim to provide that support. " According to its global privacy policy, LinkedIn intends to use user data to enhance its AI services. A help article specifies that data may still be processed when users engage with features that suggest post writing, although this will no longer apply to users in the UK, as well as those in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area, and Switzerland. Meta and X (formerly Twitter) are also trying to leverage user-generated content for developing their generative AI tools. However, they have encountered regulatory challenges in the UK and EU due to strict privacy laws that limit how and when personal data can be collected. In June, Meta suspended its plans to use public posts, comments, and images from UK adults for AI training following criticisms and concerns from the ICO. Recently, the company began re-notifying UK users of Facebook and Instagram about its plans and clarified its opt-out process after discussions with the data watchdog. LinkedIn will likely undergo a similar review process before it can proceed with plans to use data from UK users for AI training. Almond emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in privacy rights from the outset to maximize the potential of generative AI. He stated that the ICO would continue to oversee developers like Microsoft and LinkedIn to ensure the protection of UK users' data rights.