LinkedIn to share user data with Microsoft for AI and ads from November 3

Professional networking giant LinkedIn is rolling out significant updates to its privacy policy, with changes set to take effect from November 3, 2025. The Microsoft-owned platform has confirmed that it will expand the way it uses member data, including sharing with Microsoft and leveraging select user information to train AI models.

The platform reassured users that private messages will remain off-limits, but details such as profiles, work history, education, posts, and comments will be included in the data pool.

LinkedIn to use member data for AI training

In an official update posted on its website, LinkedIn explained that a portion of user data will be used to “train content-generating AI models.” According to the company, this move is aimed at enhancing user experience by improving recommendations and making it easier for professionals to discover new opportunities.

The update comes against the backdrop of ongoing debates around AI’s role in employment. LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman himself had earlier acknowledged that concerns about AI potentially replacing jobs were “legitimate.”

For now, the new policy will affect users in the EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong. Importantly, LinkedIn clarified that affected users will be able to opt out anytime, even after the rollout on November 9, 2025.

Users outside these regions, including India and the US, will not see any change in how their data is used for AI training.

Microsoft to use LinkedIn data for ads

The platform also confirmed updates regarding data sharing with affiliates, a term that includes Microsoft and its subsidiaries. Starting November 3, more user data will be shared with Microsoft to deliver personalised and relevant ads.

However, LinkedIn emphasised that this “does not include any data that your settings you do not allow LinkedIn to use for ad purposes.”

This means users still retain control over what information can be leveraged for ad targeting, depending on their privacy settings.

How to stop LinkedIn from using your data for AI

If you prefer not to have your data used for AI training, LinkedIn provides an opt-out option:

• Go to Settings & Privacy

• Select Data Privacy

• Locate the section under How LinkedIn uses your data

• Toggle off the option for Data for Generative AI Improvement

This simple step ensures your profile information and activity will not be included in AI training datasets.

Industry context

LinkedIn is not the only major platform to take this step. Google already leverages user data from Gemini, including file uploads, while Meta uses data from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI systems. With Microsoft strengthening its AI ecosystem, this move underscores how user-generated data has become the fuel for next-generation AI models.

Conclusion

LinkedIn’s privacy update marks another milestone in the ongoing intersection of AI, data privacy, and digital advertising. While the platform stresses that users remain in control of their data and can opt out anytime, the broader message is clear: AI development increasingly depends on real-world user activity. For professionals, this means balancing the potential benefits of improved networking and opportunities with the responsibility of managing personal data in an AI-first world.