LinkedIn sued by premium customers for disclosing customer data to train AI models

LinkedIn has been sued by its Premium customers for disclosing their private messages to third parties without permission to train generative artificial intelligence models.

What is the LinkedIn lawsuit all about?

According to a proposed class action filed on behalf of millions of LinkedIn Premium customers, the business-focused social media platform quietly introduced a privacy setting last August that let users enable or disable the sharing of their personal data.

Customers said LinkedIn then discreetly updated its privacy policy on Sept. 18 to say data could be used to train AI models, and in a "frequently asked questions" hyperlink said opting out "does not affect AI training that has already taken place."

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The complaint said that this attempt to "cover its tracks" suggests LinkedIn was fully aware it violated customers' privacy and its promise to use personal data only to support and improve its platform, in order to minimize public scrutiny and legal fallout.

The lawsuit was filed in the San Jose, California, federal court on behalf of LinkedIn Premium customers who sent or received InMail messages, and whose private information was disclosed to third parties for AI training before Sept. 18.

LinkedIn Premium membership offers enhanced features tailored for job seekers and small businesses looking for a smarter way to advance their career or growth.

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