LinkedIn has announced the suspension of its data processing activities in the UK related to the training of its artificial intelligence models, following significant privacy concerns raised by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This decision comes in light of the company’s recent admission that it had been using UK users’ data without their explicit consent, a practice that became apparent through an updated privacy policy that went into effect on September 18, 2024. Stephen Almond, executive director of regulatory risk at the ICO, expressed approval of LinkedIn’s decision to halt such practices and emphasized the importance of user consent in AI training.
The ICO has been vigilant in monitoring the practices of companies involved in generative AI, including LinkedIn and its parent company, Microsoft. Almond stated that the ICO intends to ensure that these companies implement adequate safeguards to protect the information rights of UK users. LinkedIn confirmed that it would not train generative AI models on data from the UK, European Economic Area, or Switzerland until further notice. This move reflects the growing regulatory scrutiny faced by tech companies as they navigate the complex landscape of data privacy.
In an FAQ released alongside the announcement, LinkedIn outlined its efforts to minimize personal data in its training datasets. The company mentioned employing privacy-enhancing technologies to redact or remove personal data before using it for model training. Users outside of Europe can opt out of having their data used for AI training, although this opt-out does not affect data that has already been processed. This proactive approach aims to reassure users regarding their privacy and data security.
LinkedIn’s decision comes at a time when scrutiny over AI practices is intensifying globally. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published a report highlighting lax privacy controls and inadequate safeguards employed by large social media platforms. These companies have been criticized for their extensive data collection practices, which often combine personal information with data from third-party brokers to create comprehensive consumer profiles. As data privacy becomes a focal point of regulatory discussions, LinkedIn’s suspension of AI data processing in the UK serves as a significant step toward addressing these pressing concerns and protecting user rights in an increasingly digital world.
