LinkedIn is preparing[1] to tighten its data rules this autumn, and the update is more than just a formality. Beginning November 3, the Microsoft-owned platform will apply a new set of terms that determine how member information is shared for advertising and how it is used inside LinkedIn’s artificial intelligence tools.
Data Moving Into Microsoft’s Orbit
One of the most visible shifts involves advertising. In several countries outside the EU, LinkedIn will send Microsoft more information about member activity, from profile details to ad clicks. That information will help Microsoft push more tailored promotions across its family of products.
The catch is that even if someone blocks the sharing, Microsoft ads will still appear — they just will not draw from LinkedIn habits. To stop the flow of data, members need to go into account settings and switch off the Data Sharing with Microsoft option before the terms kick in.
AI Training Set to Expand
At the same time, LinkedIn is widening the scope of its generative AI training. In Europe, the UK, Canada, Switzerland, and Hong Kong, public content and profile information will automatically be pulled into AI systems that suggest posts, polish profiles, or help recruiters match with candidates. Private messages remain out of reach, but everything else that is public can be fed into these models.
By default, the switch is on. Anyone who wants out has to dig into Settings > Data Privacy > Generative AI Improvement and toggle it off. Turning it off will not disable LinkedIn’s AI features; it just stops personal data from being folded into future training.
Other regions, including the United States, will not see changes to AI training this round.
Legal and Policy Notes
The company says its approach differs by region. In the EU and UK, data processing for AI rests on the legal principle of “legitimate interest,” while in other markets the emphasis is on user choice through opt-out tools.
Alongside these changes, the platform has also updated its User Agreement. Deepfakes and impersonations are now spelled out as violations, new rules explain when secondary payment methods can be used, and members have been given clearer ways to appeal restrictions on their accounts.
What Members Should Do
For most people, the practical step is reviewing privacy controls before November 3. Leaving the defaults in place means LinkedIn can share data with Microsoft for ad targeting and use profile details for AI model training where applicable. Those who are not comfortable with that approach should turn the features off manually.
Anyone who continues using LinkedIn past the deadline will be considered to have accepted the new terms. Those unwilling to do so have the option to close their account entirely.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: Italy Sets National AI Rules, First in European Union[2]
References
- ^ preparing (www.linkedin.com)
- ^ Italy Sets National AI Rules, First in European Union (www.digitalinformationworld.com)