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Users call out LinkedIn for privacy violations

LINKEDIN

LinkedIn is facing a lawsuit in California, alleging that the platform shared private messages from Premium users with third-party companies to train artificial intelligence models.

The case raises concerns about transparency and user privacy.

In August 2022, LinkedIn introduced a privacy setting that reportedly allowed user data to be shared for AI training.

The lawsuit claims this was done without notifying users, automatically opting them into the program.

A month later, LinkedIn updated its privacy policy to state that user information could be used for AI purposes, and its FAQ section was adjusted to explain that opting out would not undo previous data use.

Here’s what’s happening:

  • LinkedIn has been accused of sharing premium user data without clear consent for AI training.

  • The platform’s privacy updates allegedly attempted to obscure this practice.

  • The lawsuit seeks financial compensation for affected users, citing privacy and contractual violations.

Premium? …Or just premium risks?

The lawsuit accuses LinkedIn of trying to "cover its tracks" by making these changes after the fact, suggesting the company was aware it had violated privacy standards and contractual agreements.

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, denies the claims, stating they are "false" and "without merit."

The company also clarified that data sharing for AI purposes does not apply to users in the UK, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.

The lawsuit seeks $1,000 (£812) per user for alleged breaches of the US federal Stored Communications Act.

It also asks for damages under California's unfair competition law and for breach of contract.

LinkedIn, with over 1 billion users worldwide, is a major player in the professional networking space.

About 25% of its users are in the US. In 2023, LinkedIn earned $1.7 billion from Premium subscriptions, with numbers continuing to rise as the platform adds more AI-powered features.

When opting out doesn't really mean opting out.