Dutch privacy regulator warns LinkedIn users over AI model training
LinkedIn plans to train an AI model using data from European users starting November 2025, with automatic opt-in consent unless users change settings by the deadline. The Dutch privacy regulator warned that data removal from the AI system would be difficult once implemented, and questioned whether LinkedIn's legal justification was adequate.
What happened
LinkedIn plans to use data from European users to train an AI model starting 3 November 2025. The data includes profile information such as name, photos, current and previous job titles, education, location, and skills, as well as public messages and reactions, but excludes private messages and accounts of minors and educational institutions.
LinkedIn set automatic opt-in consent for data use in AI training, requiring users to actively change settings to decline by 3 November 2025. LinkedIn has used this practice in the United States since late 2024.
Reported impact
The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP) expressed concern that LinkedIn wants to use data dating back to 2003, when users shared information without anticipating AI training use. The AP warned that once data enters AI systems, removal is difficult and consequences are unclear.
The AP noted that some profile data may contain sensitive information such as health status, ethnicity, religion, or political preference, requiring extra caution. The AP questioned whether LinkedIn's legal basis of 'justified interest' is sufficient under data protection law.
Index analysis
Millions of Dutch citizens have LinkedIn profiles. Complaints about the plan are already being received by the AP, which shares oversight responsibility for LinkedIn with the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC).
Governance controls
The AP called on users to adjust their privacy settings and emphasized the short timeframe for opting out. The AP stated that while users can withdraw consent after 3 November, the process is not straightforward once data is integrated into AI systems.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.