LinkedIn, the professional networking platform owned by Microsoft, is facing a lawsuit in the US. The legal action claims that LinkedIn shared private user messages with third parties to train AI models without user consent. LinkedIn is accused of using private messages to train AI without obtaining explicit user consent, according to a lawsuit filed in California.
The lawsuit alleges that in August 2023, LinkedIn introduced a privacy setting that automatically opted users into a program allowing their personal data to be used for AI training. The setting was reportedly introduced without proper disclosure, leading to accusations of violating user trust.
According to the lawsuit, LinkedIn attempted to justify its actions by updating its privacy policy a month later. The revised policy stated that user data could be shared for AI training purposes. LinkedIn modified its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, explaining that users could opt out of the program but clarifying that data already used for AI training would remain unaffected. Thus, LinkedIn is accused of using private messages to train AI, with claims that the company updated its FAQs to limit user control over their data.
The lawsuit claims these actions were part of an effort to “cover its tracks” and reduce public scrutiny. It further alleges that LinkedIn’s behavior indicates an awareness of contractual and privacy violations.
Legal Action Details
The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, represents a LinkedIn Premium user and others in similar situations. It seeks $1,000 per user for alleged violations of the US federal Stored Communications Act. The lawsuit also demands compensation for breach of contract and violations of California’s unfair competition law.
A LinkedIn spokesperson refuted the allegations, stating they are “false claims with no merit.” The company emphasized that these changes do not apply to users in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. An email sent to users last year confirmed that AI training using user data was paused in these regions following discussions with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Growing Premium Subscriptions
LinkedIn Premium, the platform’s paid subscription tier, provides advanced features, including AI-powered tools. The company reported $1.7 billion in revenue from Premium subscriptions in 2023, with a growing number of subscribers globally.
The lawsuit comes at a time when the integration of AI into professional tools is a topic of global debate. While AI tools aim to enhance productivity, concerns around data privacy and consent remain unresolved.
This case follows LinkedIn’s settlement of a $6.625 million class action lawsuit in 2024. The previous lawsuit accused the platform of inflating video advertisement metrics between 2015 and 2023.
Balancing Innovation and Privacy
LinkedIn’s push to incorporate AI-powered tools into its Premium services reflects the broader trend of integrating AI into professional platforms. These tools promise increased efficiency and better user experiences, but their success hinges on the quality and quantity of data used for training.
While AI-driven advancements can benefit users, they must not come at the cost of privacy. Privacy advocates expressed concern as LinkedIn is accused of using private messages to train AI, raising questions about ethical data handling. Companies like LinkedIn must strike a balance by ensuring that data collection practices are both ethical and transparent. The introduction of opt-in mechanisms, clear disclosures, and robust data protection policies can help achieve this balance. If the lawsuit’s allegations are accurate, LinkedIn’s actions may have prioritized rapid AI development over safeguarding user privacy. This raises broader questions about corporate accountability in the digital era.
