LinkedIn Suspends AI Data Processing in U.K. Following ICO Privacy Concerns
LinkedIn has halted the processing of U.K. users' data for training artificial intelligence (AI) models after privacy concerns were raised by the U.K.'s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The suspension follows LinkedIn’s admission of using user data for AI training without obtaining explicit consent, as part of its privacy policy update on September 18, 2024.
Stephen Almond, ICO's executive director of regulatory risk, expressed approval of LinkedIn's decision to pause AI model training, emphasizing that the ICO will continue monitoring companies like LinkedIn and Microsoft to ensure robust data protection measures are in place. LinkedIn confirmed that it has suspended AI training involving data from users in the U.K., European Economic Area, and Switzerland.
This move comes amidst heightened scrutiny of AI practices, with concerns about how user data is used to develop large AI models. Users outside Europe still have the option to opt out of data processing for AI training via LinkedIn's account settings, though past data may still have been used.
LinkedIn's data processing pause follows other high-profile incidents, including Meta's disclosure that it had used non-private user data for AI training, and Zoom’s reversal of plans to use customer content for similar purposes. These cases highlight growing concerns over AI's reliance on personal data, particularly in light of a recent U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report revealing lax privacy practices by major tech platforms.
The report found that companies frequently engage in broad data collection and sharing, often retaining and monetizing personal information through data brokers. These practices, the FTC argues, undermine privacy and data protection, particularly when users’ requests to delete data are not fully honored.
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