I just received a warning from the Lower Saxony Data Protection Registrar, Microsoft LinkedIn will start training their AI on LinkedIn Data from the 3rd November, if you don’t opt-out.
The setting in LinkedIn can be found here:
English version through Google Translate:
LinkedIn Launches AI Training with User Data – We Provide Information on Opting Out
The State Commissioner for Data Protection of Lower Saxony | Press Release No. 18/2025
The online network LinkedIn, which helps maintain professional contacts, has announced that it intends to use its users’ data to train AI models starting November 3, 2025. Anyone who does not wish to do so should promptly object. This can be done with just a few clicks. Otherwise, profile data such as degrees, grades, employment status, stored resumes, photos, interests, or public posts will be released for AI training.
LinkedIn is following a trend: Several social networks have already begun using data voluntarily provided by their users to train AI. Users often have to take active steps if they do not want their data to be incorporated into AI. Together with other data protection supervisory authorities in Germany, the State Commissioner for Data Protection of Lower Saxony advises LinkedIn members to carefully consider whether to exercise their right to object. Because once personal information has been processed, it may no longer be possible to completely remove it from AI systems.
On LinkedIn, as well as many other apps, the data protection and privacy settings are often hidden or confusingly worded. This means that users must take the time to adjust access permissions and data protection settings themselves. In the LinkedIn app settings, for example, the use of personal data for AI training is hidden under the term “Data to Improve Generative AI” and is set to “On” by default. Users must switch the green switch to “Off” to opt out. It then appears in black. The Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Data Protection Authority has created practical guidance on this.
The opt-out on LinkedIn must be submitted by November 3, 2025.
Further information:
Instructions for illustrating the opt-out in the app of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Data Protection Authority:
Information about LinkedIn and Generative AI (Gen-AI) – Frequently Asked Questions:
LinkedIn and generative AI (GAI) FAQs | LinkedIn Help )
