LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, has recently decided to suspend the training of its artificial intelligence (AI) models using data from Hong Kong users. This decision was welcomed by the city’s privacy watchdog, the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD).
The PCPD stated in a recent announcement that LinkedIn stopped using Hong Kong user data last Friday. This action came after the watchdog raised concerns about the default opt-in settings for LinkedIn users. Without informing users directly, LinkedIn had been utilizing their data to train generative AI models for writing suggestions on the website.
One of the functions of LinkedIn’s AI model is to generate a user biography based on the data provided in a user’s profile. The platform, which is a subsidiary of US tech giant Microsoft, uses its Azure OpenAI service for this purpose. The PCPD had warned Hong Kong LinkedIn users about these updates on October 3, urging them to revoke permissions if they did not wish to authorize the use of their personal data by LinkedIn.
In response to the concerns raised by the PCPD, LinkedIn confirmed that it has paused the use of Hong Kong users’ personal data for training purposes as of October 11, 2024. The platform’s FAQ page indicates that it does not currently train content-generating AI models from members located in the European Union, European Economic Area, UK, Switzerland, or Hong Kong. Users outside of these regions have the option to revoke permission by adjusting their data privacy settings.
It is important to note that any information provided by users when interacting with LinkedIn’s generative AI tool will be stored until the user chooses to delete it. The PCPD has assured that they will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the privacy of Hong Kong users’ personal data is protected.
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