LinkedIn has updated its privacy policies, announcing that starting November 3, 2025, it will expand the use of user data across its platform. The Microsoft-owned professional networking site confirmed that select member information will not only be shared more broadly with Microsoft and its subsidiaries but will also be used to train generative AI models.
The data covered includes profile details, employment history, education, posts, and comments, but LinkedIn stressed that private messages will not be part of this data pool. In an update posted to its website, the platform stated that user information would be used to “train content-generating AI models”, with the aim of improving user experience and helping members connect more easily to opportunities.
This change will initially affect users in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), UK, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong. LinkedIn clarified that members in these regions will have the ability to opt out at any time, even after the rules take effect on November 9, 2025. For users outside these markets, LinkedIn said there will be no change in how data is used for AI training.
Industry-wide, LinkedIn is not alone in this move. Google already leverages user data from Gemini, including file uploads, while Meta trains its AI systems with content from Facebook and Instagram.
In addition to AI training, LinkedIn also announced a policy update regarding data sharing with affiliates, explicitly noting that the term includes Microsoft and its subsidiaries. From November 3, more data will flow between LinkedIn and Microsoft to enable personalized and relevant advertising. However, the company emphasized that “it does not include any data that your settings you do not allow LinkedIn to use for ad purposes.”
For users wishing to stop LinkedIn from using their data for AI training, the platform has provided a simple opt-out mechanism. Members can go to Settings & Privacy > Data Privacy, and under the “How LinkedIn uses your data” section, toggle off the option labeled Data for Generative AI Improvement.
These policy changes reflect LinkedIn’s effort to integrate AI into its platform at scale while raising ongoing discussions around data privacy, user choice, and transparency.
