Dutch privacy watchdog urges LinkedIn users to block AI data use

The Dutch privacy regulator AP has warned millions of Dutch LinkedIn users to change their settings if they do not want their profile data to be used to train artificial intelligence systems.

LinkedIn has said it plans to use names, photos, job titles, work experience, education, locations, skills and public posts, articles, comments and polls from European users to train its systems, although private messages will not be included.

The option to share data for “improving generative AI” is switched on by default, meaning everyone’s information will automatically be included unless they opt out before November 3.

AP deputy chairwoman Monique Verdier said the plans carry “major risks.” “Once the data is in a model, you lose control: it cannot simply be taken out again and the consequences are hard to predict,” she said.

“We urge everyone to adjust their settings before November 3 if you do not want your data used for AI training,” she said.

It is not yet clear whether LinkedIn will be allowed to proceed with the plan. The company is headquartered in Dublin and falls under the control of the Irish privacy regulator.

The AP said it is working with its Irish counterpart and other EU authorities and has already received complaints about the new policy.

How to switch it off

If you don’t want your information to be included, you need to turn off the default setting before November 3. Either follow this link provided by the AP or do it manually. Open LinkedIn and go to “settings & privacy”, select “data privacy”, click on “data for improving generative AI” and switch the setting off.