Microsoft’s LinkedIn Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Disclosure of Customer Data for AI Training
Microsoft’s LinkedIn is facing a lawsuit filed by LinkedIn Premium customers, alleging the platform shared their private messages with third parties to train generative artificial intelligence models without explicit consent.
The proposed class-action lawsuit, filed in a federal court in San Jose, California, claims that LinkedIn introduced a privacy setting in August 2024, allowing users to opt in or out of sharing personal data. However, in September, LinkedIn reportedly updated its privacy policy to disclose that user data could be used for AI training. The updated policy stated that opting out would not impact AI training already conducted.
The complaint alleges that LinkedIn’s actions breach customer trust and privacy agreements, with the platform “covering its tracks” to avoid public and legal repercussions. The lawsuit seeks damages for breach of contract, violations of California’s unfair competition law, and $1,000 per individual under the federal Stored Communications Act.
LinkedIn Premium customers who used the platform’s InMail messaging service before the September 2024 privacy policy update are included in the proposed class-action suit.
