LinkedIn Sets November 3, 2025 Deadline for AI Data Opt-Out

LinkedIn Sets November 3, 2025 Deadline for AI Data Opt-Out

LinkedIn has announced a significant policy change regarding the use of user data for training its generative AI models, giving users until Monday, November 3rd, 2025 to opt out of having their personal information included in AI training datasets. This move affects millions of users worldwide, including those in the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong, and has sparked widespread discussion about privacy and data protection in the AI era.

Background: LinkedIn’s New AI Training Data Policy

Starting November 3rd, 2025, LinkedIn will begin using the personal data of its users to train its generative AI models. This represents a broad expansion of data usage that includes historical data dating back to 2003. The data collected for this purpose encompasses:

• Profile information: names, profile pictures, current and past job details, education, skills, endorsements, publications, patents, and recommendations.
• User-generated content: posts, articles, comments, poll responses, and shared content.
• Job application data: resumes, jobs applied to, application responses, and screening question replies.
• Group activities: interactions and messages within LinkedIn groups.
• User feedback: responses to surveys and ratings provided on the platform.

LinkedIn has assured users that some sensitive data, such as private messages, login credentials, payment information, and other highly sensitive details, will be excluded from AI training datasets.

Opt-Out Deadline and Process

To protect their privacy, LinkedIn users must manually opt out by toggling off the “Data for generative AI improvement” option in their LinkedIn account settings before the deadline on November 3rd. Users who do not opt out by then will have their data included in the AI training datasets.

It is important to note that users can still opt out after the deadline; however, any data collected prior to opting out will remain part of the AI models and cannot be removed retroactively.

Privacy Concerns and Regulatory Context

This policy shift has raised alarms among privacy advocates and regulators, especially given the comprehensive nature of the data being used. The expansion applies even in regions with strict data protection laws, such as the European Union and the European Economic Area, where the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has traditionally provided robust protections.

The recent approval allowing LinkedIn to use EU-based user data for AI training marks a significant regulatory shift, which many see as prioritizing technological innovation over individual privacy rights.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong issued a reminder encouraging users to thoroughly review LinkedIn’s updated privacy policy and understand the implications of this data usage change.

Industry Impact and User Reactions

LinkedIn’s move reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies increasingly leverage user data to improve AI capabilities. However, this has also intensified the debate over user consent, data ownership, and transparency.

Many users express concern about the permanence of data usage for AI training and the lack of granular control over how their information is utilized. The inability to remove data from AI models once incorporated underscores the risks of data permanence in AI development.

Privacy experts advise users to take immediate action to protect their data, especially if they are uncomfortable with their professional history and personal content contributing to AI systems.

How to Opt Out: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account.
2. Navigate to Settings & Privacy.
3. Select the Data Privacy section.
4. Find the option labeled “Data for generative AI improvement”.
5. Toggle the setting to off to prevent your data from being used for AI training.
6. Confirm the changes and log out.

Taking these steps before November 3rd will ensure your data is not added to LinkedIn’s AI training datasets going forward.

Visuals Relevant to the Topic

• Official LinkedIn logo and screenshots of the privacy settings page where users can opt out.
• Images of LinkedIn’s AI tools or interfaces, if publicly available.
• Visual charts illustrating the types of data used in AI training.
• Photos or official portraits of privacy officials commenting on the issue, such as Ms. Ada Chung Lai-ling from Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner Office.

---

This policy update highlights the growing intersection between professional networking platforms and AI technology, emphasizing the need for users to remain vigilant about their digital privacy. LinkedIn’s deadline presents a critical moment for users to exercise control over their personal data as AI becomes more deeply embedded in everyday online services.