LinkedIn accused of using private messages to train AI

LinkedIn has been accused by its premium users of secretly using private messages to train artificial intelligence (AI) models.

The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, claims that the professional networking platform, altered its privacy policy last year and quietly introduced a provision that allowed the company to share user data with affiliates or third parties for AI training purposes.

It alleged that LinkedIn concealed the actions by revising its privacy policy a month later to disclose that user data could be shared for AI training purposes.

The suit further pointed out that while LinkedIn updated its ‘frequently asked questions’ section to include an option for users to opt out of AI data usage, it added that opting out will not affect training already completed.

“LinkedIn’s actions… indicate a pattern of attempting to cover its tracks,” the lawsuit said.

“This behaviour suggests that LinkedIn was fully aware that it had violated its contractual promises and privacy standards and aimed to minimise public scrutiny.”

The lawsuit seeks $1,000 per user for alleged violations of US law regarding data storage and California’s unfair competition law.

In response, BBC reported that a LinkedIn spokesperson dismissed the lawsuit as “false claims with no merit”.

In September 2024, LinkedIn paused the use of UK user data for AI training.

The company also introduced an opt-out feature for users outside the regions who did not want their data to be used for AI purposes.

LinkedIn boasts over one billion users globally, with nearly a quarter residing in the US.

In 2023, the company generated $1.7 billion in revenue from premium subscriptions.