LinkedIn, the professional social media platform owned by Microsoft, is facing a lawsuit filed by Premium customers. The customers allege that LinkedIn shared their private messages with third parties without their consent to train generative AI models.
The proposed class-action lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, representing millions of LinkedIn Premium users. According to the lawsuit, LinkedIn introduced a privacy setting last August that allowed users to enable or disable the sharing of their personal data, reports Reuters.
However, the plaintiffs claim that LinkedIn updated its privacy policy on September 18, 2023, to include a clause stating that user data could be used for training AI models. They also allege that a “frequently asked questions” section linked to the updated policy mentioned that opting out “does not affect training that has already taken place.”
Also read: LinkedIn may have used user data to train AI models without informing about it
The complaint argues that this move shows LinkedIn was fully aware it violated customers’ privacy and its promise to use personal data only to support and improve its platform. It also claims LinkedIn made these changes discreetly to avoid public backlash and legal consequences.
The lawsuit focuses on LinkedIn Premium users who sent or received private InMail messages. It alleges their private information was shared with third parties for AI training purposes before the policy update in September. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for breach of contract, violations of California’s unfair competition law, and $1,000 per person under the federal Stored Communications Act.
Also read: LinkedIn’s new AI features can write your cover letter, review resume & more
LinkedIn has not yet responded to the allegations, but the lawsuit raises significant concerns about how personal data is used to develop AI technologies. It highlights the growing tension between user privacy and the demands of advanced AI training.
Also read: What made LinkedIn, a “professional networking platform,” add games to the app?