A South African artificial intelligence association has accused Linkedin of violating local data privacy laws by using user data to train its AI models without explicit consent. The association has urged the country’s data regulator to investigate. However, Linkedin has defended its practices, saying users can opt out of AI training. The data regulator has confirmed it has received the complaint but declined to reveal its planned course of action.

Linkedin accused of violating the Privacy Act

A South African artificial intelligence (AI) association has urged the country’s data regulator to investigate Linkedin for allegedly violating local laws with its new data policy. The association claims that the Microsoft-owned social media platform is illegally training its AI models using data from South African residents.

Linkedin’s generative AI models, which are still in development, are reportedly generating draft messages or posts based on users’ profiles. The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) claims that Linkedin’s policy changes have allowed it to improve its AI models using user data without explicit consent.

SAAIA argues that Linkedin's actions violate the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which prohibits the processing of user data without consent. Nathan-Ross Adams, the association's head of regulatory affairs, wants the Information Commissioner to open an investigation, citing what he calls a high level of public concern over the issue.

Information Regulatory Authority spokesman Nomzamo Zondi confirmed that the regulator had received SAAIA's submission but declined to comment on next steps.

“Once the complaint is assessed, we will make a decision and will exchange the necessary information with the complainant and the responsible party (Linkedin). Therefore, we cannot make a decision while we are conducting a preliminary investigation,” the spokesperson said.

A LinkedIn spokesperson defended the company’s AI training process, saying users have the option to opt out. The spokesperson also stressed that many users find AI models useful for crafting resumes or profile summaries.

However, News24's report notes that Linkedin does not directly address SAAIA's main concern: whether the social media platform has obtained the necessary consent to train the AI.

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