Source URL: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/01/22/236253/microsofts-linkedin-sued-for-disclosing-customer-information-to-train-ai-models?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Microsoft’s LinkedIn Sued For Disclosing Customer Information To Train AI Models
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**Summary:** The lawsuit against LinkedIn alleges unauthorized disclosure of private messages for generative AI training, raising significant concerns around privacy violations and improper handling of user data. This case underlines the evolving legal landscape regarding data usage in AI, particularly the implications for companies that rely on user-generated content for model training.
**Detailed Description:**
The ongoing lawsuit against LinkedIn presents critical issues surrounding privacy and compliance in the context of AI training, specifically from generative models. Here’s a detailed analysis:
– **Nature of the Lawsuit:**
– LinkedIn is being sued by Premium customers who assert that their private messages were shared with third parties to train AI models without their consent.
– The lawsuit seeks damages based on breach of contract and claims of privacy violations, indicating a direct impact on user rights and data usage.
– **Privacy Policy Changes:**
– LinkedIn reportedly introduced a new privacy setting allowing users to manage the sharing of their personal data, illustrating an attempt at transparency. However, this change was made with a retroactive clause that raised concerns.
– The platform updated its privacy policy to include language indicating that user data could be utilized for training AI models, which customers claim violates prior agreements regarding the use of their personal information.
– **Legal Implications:**
– Filed in a federal court in San Jose, California, the lawsuit reflects escalating legal actions against tech companies regarding data privacy.
– The suit addresses potential violations of California’s unfair competition law and the federal Stored Communications Act, suggesting a multi-faceted legal challenge.
– **Corporate Response:**
– In response to the accusations, LinkedIn has labeled the claims as “false” and “without merit,” which is an attempt to mitigate reputational damage and legal repercussions.
– **Broader Context:**
– This case highlights ongoing concerns about privacy in AI, particularly related to how companies like LinkedIn handle user data and consent.
– There is growing scrutiny over the ethical implications of using private data for training AI, emphasizing the need for stricter governance and compliance measures to protect user privacy.
In conclusion, this lawsuit not only threatens LinkedIn’s reputation but also signifies a pressing issue in the broader conversation about data privacy in AI, serving as a crucial reminder for security, privacy, and compliance professionals in the tech and data management sectors. The outcome could influence regulatory responses and corporate practices related to user data in AI training.