How to Stop LinkedIn from Using Your Data for AI Training

LinkedIn provides a privacy setting that can stop your personal data and content from being used to train generative AI models going forward. Open Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement and switch the setting off where it is available.

The exact wording, availability and data treatment can vary by country. Opting out generally applies to future model training and should not be assumed to reverse training that already occurred.

How to turn off LinkedIn AI training on desktop

1. Sign in to LinkedIn.
2. Click Me or your profile photo.
3. Select Settings & Privacy.
4. Open Data privacy.
5. Find Data for Generative AI Improvement or the current AI data setting.
6. Switch the setting off.
7. Read the confirmation text to understand when the change takes effect.

If the setting is missing, it may not apply in your region or LinkedIn may have changed the menu. Review LinkedIn's current privacy and AI help information from within your account.

How to opt out in the LinkedIn mobile app

1. Open LinkedIn on iPhone or Android.
2. Tap your profile picture.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Open Data privacy.
5. Select Data for Generative AI Improvement.
6. Turn the option off.

Update the LinkedIn app if the data privacy menu does not show the setting. You can also use the desktop website.

What LinkedIn data may be relevant to generative AI?

The categories and rules can change, but LinkedIn's AI-related explanations may refer to data and content such as:

• Profile information
• Public posts and articles
• Comments and replies
• Professional history and education
• Skills and endorsements
• Group contributions
• Feedback provided to AI features
• Interactions with LinkedIn's generative AI tools

LinkedIn may exclude or treat some categories differently, and regional legal requirements can affect processing.

What does opting out actually do?

Turning the setting off is intended to stop LinkedIn and applicable affiliates from using your covered personal data or content for future generative AI model training.

It may not:

• Remove information from models already trained
• Delete your LinkedIn account data
• Disable all AI features
• Stop non-generative machine learning used for security, ranking or personalisation
• Change how data is processed when you directly use an AI tool
• Remove content that other people copied or shared

Read the wording displayed beside the setting rather than assuming the switch controls every automated system.

Does opting out delete data already used for AI training?

Generally, no. An opt-out usually changes future use. Model training that already occurred may not be reversible through a normal settings toggle.

You can still:

• Delete posts or profile information you no longer want online
• Submit applicable privacy requests
• Review LinkedIn's data processing objection options
• Limit public profile visibility
• Avoid entering sensitive information into AI tools

Deletion and objection rights vary by location and are not absolute.

Why the LinkedIn AI setting may be unavailable

Possible reasons include:

• The feature does not apply in your region
• Local law already restricts the processing
• Your account is managed under different product terms
• LinkedIn renamed or moved the setting
• The app needs updating
• You are looking under Account preferences instead of Data privacy

Use LinkedIn's desktop settings and check the privacy policy applicable to your country.

Does the opt-out stop LinkedIn AI features?

Not necessarily. You may still see AI-assisted writing, job-search, recruitment or profile tools. The data used when you directly interact with those features may be governed by separate terms and disclosures.

Before using an AI feature:

• Read the prompt notice
• Avoid confidential employer information
• Do not paste identity documents or passwords
• Check generated content for accuracy
• Remove sensitive details from prompts
• Review whether the conversation or feedback may be retained

How to reduce LinkedIn data exposure beyond the AI toggle

Limit public profile visibility

Control whether your LinkedIn profile appears in Google and which sections are public. Follow how to hide your LinkedIn profile from Google.

Delete old posts and comments

Review content that is no longer professionally useful. Remember that others may have taken screenshots or copied public material.

Remove imported contacts

Stop contact syncing and delete address-book data you no longer want LinkedIn to hold. See how to remove synced contacts from LinkedIn.

Download your data

Request an archive to understand the categories of account information LinkedIn makes available to you. Use how to download your LinkedIn data.

Review advertising and personalisation controls

AI training is not the only data use. Review ad data, inferred interests, off-LinkedIn activity, discovery settings and connected applications.

Can a LinkedIn privacy notice post opt you out?

No. Posting a status saying that you do not consent is not a substitute for using the official account setting or a valid legal request.

Use LinkedIn's privacy controls and formal request processes.

Should businesses turn off LinkedIn AI training?

Individual members should decide based on their privacy needs. Businesses should also establish policies for employees who use LinkedIn AI features, particularly where prompts could expose:

• Client information
• Unreleased financial results
• Internal code or documents
• Candidate data
• Legal advice
• Confidential strategy
• Personal employee information

The safest rule is not to enter confidential information into public or third-party AI services without approval.

How to confirm the setting remains off

Privacy settings can change after policy updates or account changes. Review the setting periodically, especially after:

• A LinkedIn terms update
• Moving to another country
• Reinstalling the app
• Joining a new LinkedIn product
• Using a newly released AI feature

Take a dated screenshot for your records when the setting is important to you.

Frequently asked questions

Does turning off AI training delete my LinkedIn data?

No. It changes a specific data-use preference; it does not delete your profile or content.

Does the setting apply to Microsoft as well?

Review the current LinkedIn wording regarding LinkedIn and its affiliates. The scope can change with policy updates.

Are private messages used for AI training?

Data categories and exclusions can vary. Check LinkedIn's current AI privacy explanation rather than assuming every type of message is included or excluded.

Can I object to other machine learning uses?

LinkedIn may provide separate privacy requests or objection processes for processing beyond generative AI training, depending on your region.

Will opting out reduce my LinkedIn reach?

The setting concerns AI model improvement. LinkedIn does not present it as a direct control over post distribution, although platform systems and policies can change.

Final answer

Go to Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement and turn the option off where available. This is generally a forward-looking opt-out, so also review existing content, privacy requests and other LinkedIn data controls.