The most disturbing thing about this situation is that users were enrolled in this AI training program by default. Rachyl Tobac, Chair of Women in Security and Privacy called out the issue on X saying, "Opt-out now" and adding that auto-enrollment without consent should not be an option. Tobac suggests that users shouldn't have to work to undo decisions companies have made for them, and that it's better that organizations provide members with an opt-in choice instead of automatically signing them up for a program of this nature. Others chimed in in agreement.

That recently began notifying users about the AI training feature, saying it updated its user agreement to disclose the practice starting Nov. 20, adding a setting so users can opt out of having their data used to train AI models. Personal data is used to improve security and products with a particular emphasis on generative AI, says Chief Privacy Officer Kalinda Raina.

A LinkedIn spokesperson told USA TODAY users have been made aware that their data is used to train AI because the technology assists users with things like drafting resumes and messages to send to recruiters. Spokesman Greg Snapper said the user controls their data, adding that LinkedIn has always been transparent about its terms of service and use of automation in its products.