Microsoft is updating LinkedIn’s terms of use to allow the training of its generative artificial intelligence models on user-generated content. This change, already in effect in the United States, will be extended to Europe on November 20, 2024, incorporating clauses that explain how personal information and published content are used to improve its AI products and services. The implementation distinguishes between regions with strict data protection laws, such as the European Union, and those with more permissive frameworks. While in Europe the use of data for AI training has initially been blocked to ensure regulatory compliance, U.S. users already have the option to explicitly opt out of this practice. This divergence reflects the global tension between the need for large volumes of data for AI and the sovereignty of personal information. This case is relevant to open data and algorithmic transparency, as it illustrates how private platforms monetize user information under the guise of artificial intelligence. It highlights the importance of data governance, demonstrating that regulations such as the GDPR act as essential barriers against the non-consensual appropriation of information. For the open data community, it serves as a critical reminder that ethics in information handling must prioritize informed consent and privacy protection over commercial and technological interests.

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Published on 2024-10-11