LinkedIn privacy update: Microsoft can use your data from Nov 3 — how to stop it

Professional networking giant LinkedIn has announced major revisions to its privacy policy, paving the way for broader use of user data in AI model training and personalized advertising. The new rules will take effect on November 3, 2025, according to an update posted on the company’s website.

LinkedIn Data to Power AI Models

Under the changes, LinkedIn confirmed that profiles, employment history, education details, posts, and comments may be used to train content-generating AI systems.

“This will help improve user experience and enable easier connections to new opportunities,” the company explained.

However, LinkedIn emphasized that private messages will not be included in the data training pool.

The AI training policy will only apply to users in the EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong, where LinkedIn is implementing region-specific changes. For all other regions, the company says existing rules remain unchanged.

Microsoft to Gain More Data for Ads

Another key update involves data-sharing with Microsoft and its subsidiaries. Starting November 3, LinkedIn will expand how it uses user data to deliver “personalised and relevant ads.”

The platform clarified:

“It does not include any data that your settings do not allow LinkedIn to use for ad purposes.”

This ad-data policy will apply across the US and most global regions, but it excludes the EU, UK, and Switzerland, which enforce stricter privacy frameworks.

How Users Can Opt Out

LinkedIn reassured users that opting out remains possible even after the new rules are enforced.

• For AI training:
  Navigate to Settings & privacy → Data privacy → How LinkedIn uses your data → Data for Generative AI improvement, and turn the toggle off.

• For ads:
  Go to Settings → Advertising Data and disable the default opt-in option.

Part of a Bigger Industry Trend

LinkedIn’s move mirrors a broader tech industry shift, where user-generated content fuels the development of AI systems. Google, for instance, leverages data for Gemini, while Meta draws on posts from Facebook and Instagram.

As the November rollout approaches, the changes are likely to spark fresh debate on the balance between user privacy, AI advancement, and personalized digital experiences.