What's Happening?
LinkedIn has announced updates to its terms of service, effective November 3, 2025, to expand the use of AI and ad targeting. The changes involve sharing additional user data with Microsoft to enhance ad personalization. This includes LinkedIn profile data, feed activity, and ad engagement data, excluding private messages. LinkedIn users can opt out of data sharing, but will still receive non-personalized ads. The update also includes using member data for AI training to improve content generation, affecting users outside the EU region.
Why It's Important?
The update reflects LinkedIn's strategy to leverage AI and data analytics for improved ad targeting and user experience. By sharing data with Microsoft, LinkedIn aims to deliver more relevant ads, potentially increasing ad revenue and user engagement. However, the changes raise privacy concerns, as users may be wary of data sharing practices. This development underscores the growing importance of data privacy in the digital age, prompting users to be more vigilant about their data settings and opt-out options.
What's Next?
LinkedIn users will need to review their privacy settings and decide whether to opt out of data sharing. The company may face scrutiny from privacy advocates and regulators, potentially leading to further adjustments in its data policies. As AI continues to evolve, LinkedIn's approach to data usage and privacy will likely influence industry standards and user expectations.
