Users who do not want LinkedIn to use their data to train AI models should turn it off before Nov. 3. The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP) is urging people to do so.
The AP is deeply concerned about LinkedIn's plans to use user data in Europe to train its own artificial intelligence (AI) starting Nov. 3, 2025. At issue is profile information and public content that people have shared in the past. Once this data is in LinkedIn's AI systems, it cannot be easily extracted and users will lose control of their data.
According to LinkedIn, this includes profile information, such as name, photo, current position, work experience, education, location and skills. Public content, such as posts, articles, comments and polls, is also included. Private messages are not used, according to LinkedIn. Exceptions apply to minors and education accounts.
The "Data for Generative AI Improvement" setting is on by default. That means the data of all LinkedIn users will automatically be used for AI training unless the setting is actively turned off. Those who do not want personal data to be used for LinkedIn's AI training should indicate that before Nov. 3 via this link or in the app via 'Settings & Privacy → Data Privacy → Data for Generative AI Improvement' and close the slider.
Monique Verdier, vice president of the AP: "We see major risks in the announced plans. LinkedIn wants to use data going back to 2003, while people shared that information at the time without foreseeing that it would be used for AI training. Once that data is in an AI model, you lose control: it can't be easily extracted and the consequences are hard to foresee. Especially with special personal data - such as data on health, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation - care is needed. Therefore, we call on everyone: change your settings before November 3 if you do not want data to be used for AI training.
It is not yet a done deal whether LinkedIn will be allowed to do what the company intends. The AVG oversight of LinkedIn lies with the Irish privacy regulator (DPC) because that is where its European headquarters are located. The AP is working closely with the DPC and other European privacy regulators on LinkedIn's announcement. The AP has already received complaints that are being addressed in cooperation with the DPC.
