Source URL: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/01/22/236253/microsofts-linkedinn-sued-for-disclosing-customer-information-to-train-ai-models?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Microsoft’s LinkedInn Sued For Disclosing Customer Information To Train AI Models
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AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text reports on a lawsuit against LinkedIn by its Premium customers, alleging unauthorized disclosure of private messages to third parties for training generative AI models, resulting in contract breach and privacy violations. This case underscores significant concerns regarding data privacy, user consent, and the implications of AI training practices.
Detailed Description: The lawsuit stems from allegations that LinkedIn disclosed users’ private messages without obtaining proper consent, allegedly breaching both its contractual obligations and privacy laws. Here are the major points of significance:
– **Nature of the Lawsuit**:
– Filed by Premium customers; cites unauthorized sharing of InMail messages.
– Claims breach of contract and privacy violations.
– Seeks unspecified damages and a fixed amount per person under federal law.
– **Privacy Policy Changes**:
– LinkedIn introduced a new privacy setting allowing users to control the sharing of their data.
– An update was made to its privacy policy indicating that user data could be utilized for AI training.
– A conclusion was drawn that opting out would not affect prior data use for AI model training.
– **Claims of Malfeasance**:
– The complaint alleges that LinkedIn acted in a manner attempting to obscure its actions regarding user data handling.
– Suggests that the company had an awareness of potential privacy violations and sought to “minimize public scrutiny.”
– **Legal Implications**:
– Potential violations of California’s unfair competition law.
– Implications under the federal Stored Communications Act, which penalizes unauthorized access to stored communications.
– **Relevance to Security and Compliance**:
– Highlights the critical importance of consent in data privacy, especially in the context of AI and data use.
– Raises questions regarding corporate governance surrounding user data and transparency.
This lawsuit could have broader implications for how tech companies handle user data, especially as AI continues to evolve and expand in capability, making it an essential watch-point for security and compliance professionals in the AI landscape.