Serious Discussion Now MS is coming for your Linked In data

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Captain Holly

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Starting in November MS will capture your Linked In data to train their AI. It's Opt-Out, so I guess if you have a Linked In account you might be able to access some setting buried in a menu somewhere and stop the data harvest. I think this is a terrible thing to do with the job market the way it is now, so many people have lost a job and are looking for work and MS just has to capitalize on it. As if people who are desperately searching for a job don't have enough problems already.

Here is just one article I read about it. I read a few other threads that say the data harvesting has already started. This weekend I am going to think a lot about whether I want to stay with MS and continue tolerating their invasive tactics.

Microsoft-owned LinkedIn will use your data for training AI, unless you opt-out - gHacks Tech News

C.H.
 
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Captain Holly said:
Starting in November MS will capture your Linked In data to train their AI. It's Opt-Out, so I guess if you have a Linked In account you might be able to access some setting buried in a menu somewhere and stop the data harvest. I think this is a terrible thing to do with the job market the way it is now, so many people have lost a job and are looking for work and MS just has to capitalize on it. As if people who are desperately searching for a job don't have enough problems already.

Here is just one article I read about it. I read a few other threads that say the data harvesting has already started. This weekend I am going to think a lot about whether I want to stay with MS and continue tolerating their invasive tactics.

Microsoft-owned LinkedIn will use your data for training AI, unless you opt-out - gHacks Tech News

C.H.
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Thanks for sharing this, Captain Holly. It's definitely a concerning move by Microsoft, especially with how they're handling user data on LinkedIn. Opt-out policies like this can feel pretty invasive, and you're right—it's not great timing given the job market struggles many are facing.

For anyone with a LinkedIn account who wants to opt out, here's a quick guide based on what I've seen reported:

  • Log in to your LinkedIn account.
  • Click on your profile picture in the top right and select Settings & Privacy.
  • Under the Data privacy section, look for Data for Generative AI Improvement or something similar (it might be under "How LinkedIn uses your data").
  • Toggle the option to opt out of data usage for AI training.

Apparently, this setting applies to both past and future data, but some sources mention that data already harvested might not be fully reversible. It's worth checking ASAP if you're concerned. The article you linked from gHacks is a good read—thanks for that.

As for sticking with Microsoft services, it's a tough call. They've been pushing more AI integrations across their ecosystem, which raises privacy flags for a lot of folks. If you're thinking about alternatives, platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor might be worth exploring for job hunting without the same data concerns.

What are your thoughts on this, everyone? Has anyone already opted out?
 
Marko :) said:
I never understood LinkedIn.
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LinkedIn is a professional networking platform designed to help people connect, share, and grow their careers. Here's a quick breakdown of what it offers:


🌐 What LinkedIn Is​


  • Professional Social Network: Think of it as Facebook for your career, but with a focus on work, skills, and business.
  • Owned by Microsoft: Since 2016, LinkedIn has been part of the Microsoft family.

💼 What You Can Do on LinkedIn​


  • Create a Profile: Showcase your work experience, education, skills, certifications, and achievements.
  • Connect with Others: Build a network of colleagues, recruiters, industry peers, and potential employers.
  • Job Search: Apply for jobs directly, follow companies, and get job alerts tailored to your interests.
  • Share Content: Post updates, articles, and thoughts related to your field or career journey.
  • Learn and Grow: Access LinkedIn Learning for courses on everything from Excel to leadership.

🚀 Why It Matters​


  • Recruiters Use It: Many hiring managers and recruiters search LinkedIn to find candidates.
  • Personal Branding: It’s a great tool to build your professional identity and reputation.
  • Global Reach: Especially useful for remote workers and international professionals—like you, Dennis, as you prepare to work from Malaysia for a U.S. employer.
 
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I know what LinkedIn is, I just don't understand the appeal of it. Maybe because it was never widely used in this part of Europe... 🤔

Sure, some people here do have LinkedIn profiles though usually it's only CEOs and managers in a larger companies. Beside, pretty much all of the profiles look abandoned and don't even have basic info filled in except the first and last name. I also never hear anyone was ever asked for their LinkedIn profile on a job interview.
 
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My wife and I are both working but she is actively looking for a better job than what she has now. She is working with recruiters that have asked to see her LinkedIn profile. She doesn't really care if MS scrapes her profile data; she is a lot more interested in getting an interview and being hired. I think most people on LinkedIn would probably feel the same way or just be oblivious altogether. My wife is using other employment sites too and usually if she finds a job listing she likes she will apply directly on the employer's website or message a recruiter about it. She has sent her LinkedIn profile to employers as part of her application process. My daughter is looking for work too and she is not having much luck finding anything. I am sure she hands out her LinkedIn profile and any other data like candy to anyone who asks for it.

I see this and other MS tactics differently. I am no privacy nut myself but I think this and a lot of the other stunts MS has pulled are egregious and greedy. It is just plain wrong for them to weasel their way into a person's online profile and computer without their consent. It is also very wrong that MS does not respect our settings and preferences, changing them behind our backs all in the name of an update.

C.H.
 
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What data is actually there on Linked In that is worth training the AI with? 🤔 Mostly just people's current job, past job, CV and maybe some work-related chats, I guess? I mean other social media and services have far more data about us. Google, Meta, Twitter know more about me than my parents.
 
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SeriousHoax said:
What data is actually there on Linked In that is worth training the AI with?
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Exactly, I have never got the notion of stealing data, which people share willingly? It is meant to be shared.
I do not mind, if someone steals data of my past employers or food, I ate. That is the idea of social media.

To make it easier, I love ponies, I love spaghetti, I am probably a gay and alcoholic, feel free to share it. 😁
 

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Captain Holly said:
She is working with recruiters that have asked to see her LinkedIn profile.
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Captain Holly said:
My wife is using other employment sites too and usually if she finds a job listing she likes she will apply directly on the employer's website or message a recruiter about it.
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This is probably the reason why LinkedIn isn't popular in Croatia... because we don't really use recruiters to find job. We find jobs ourselves through job listing sites and contact employers directly via e-mail. We used to write a job application, but recently all you need is CV and that's it.

From what I saw, LinkedIn is only useful in IT sector here. If you're applying for any other job, you won't be asked for LinkedIn, just classic CV.

In my opinion, the less hands my data go through, the better.
 
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