LinkedIn Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Unauthorized Data Sharing for AI Training
LinkedIn Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Privacy Violations
LinkedIn, the professional social media platform owned by Microsoft, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit filed by its Premium customers. These users allege that LinkedIn shared their private messages with third parties without their consent for the purpose of training generative AI models.
Details of the Class-Action Lawsuit
The proposed class-action lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, represents millions of LinkedIn Premium users. According to the lawsuit, LinkedIn introduced a privacy setting last August that allowed users to opt in or out of sharing their personal data. However, the plaintiffs claim that LinkedIn updated its privacy policy on September 18, 2023, to include a clause permitting the use of user data for AI training.
Allegations of Deceptive Practices
The lawsuit highlights that a “frequently asked questions” section linked to the updated policy stated that opting out “does not affect training that has already taken place.” This suggests that LinkedIn may have been aware it was violating customers’ privacy rights and its commitment to using personal data solely to enhance its platform. The plaintiffs argue that these changes were made discreetly to avoid public backlash and potential legal ramifications.
Claims Against LinkedIn
The lawsuit focuses specifically on LinkedIn Premium users who sent or received private InMail messages, alleging that their private information was shared with third parties for AI training prior to the policy update. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for breach of contract, violations of California’s unfair competition law, and $1,000 per individual under the federal Stored Communications Act.
Stay Informed
As this legal case unfolds, LinkedIn users should remain vigilant about their data privacy. For those looking to enhance their professional networking experience while prioritizing privacy, consider exploring services that put user control first, such as Looffers.com.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, and remember to review your privacy settings regularly to safeguard your personal information.
