LinkedIn Faces Lawsuit Over Data Use for AI Training

Microsoft’s LinkedIn is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit, accused of sharing private messages from Premium users without permission to train generative AI models. The complaint, filed in federal court in San Jose, California, alleges LinkedIn breached its privacy commitments by disclosing personal data to third parties.

The lawsuit claims LinkedIn quietly introduced a privacy setting in August, allowing users to control data sharing, and updated its privacy policy on September 18 to state user data could train AI models. LinkedIn’s FAQ clarified that opting out would not impact training already completed. Plaintiffs argue this policy adjustment was an attempt to “cover its tracks,” suggesting LinkedIn knowingly violated user privacy to avoid scrutiny.

The case represents Premium users who sent or received InMail messages and whose data was shared before the policy change. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for breach of contract, violations of California’s unfair competition law, and $1,000 per person under the federal Stored Communications Act.

LinkedIn denies the allegations, calling them "false claims with no merit." Legal representatives for the plaintiffs have not provided additional comments.

The lawsuit comes as Microsoft-backed OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank announce a joint venture to invest $500 billion in U.S. AI infrastructure. This development highlights the growing intersection of AI and user data concerns.

The case, De La Torre v. LinkedIn Corp, underscores rising legal scrutiny of how social platforms use personal data for AI advancements, raising questions about transparency and user consent.