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 policies. The association claims that the Microsoft-owned social networking platform is illegally training its AI models using data from South African residents.
According to reports, Linkedin’s generative AI models, which are still under development, are generating draft messages or posts based on users’ profiles. The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) asserts that Linkedin’s policy changes have enabled it to improve its AI models using user data without explicit consent.
SAAIA argues that Linkedin’s actions contravene the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which prohibits processing user data without consent. Nathan-Ross Adams, the association’s head of regulatory affairs, wants the Information Regulator to launch an investigation due to what he called the public’s significant interest in the matter.
A spokesperson for the Information Regulator, Nomzamo Zondi, confirmed that the regulator has received SAAIA’s submission but declined to comment on further steps.
“Once the complaint has been assessed, a decision will be taken and necessary communication will be made with the complainant and the responsible party (Linkedin). Therefore, we are unable to make a determination whilst we are conducting a pre-investigation,” the spokesperson said.
A Linkedin spokesperson has defended the company’s AI training processes, stating that users have the option to opt out. The spokesperson also highlighted that many users find the AI models helpful for drafting resumes or summarizing profiles.
However, the News24 report noted that Linkedin did not directly address SAAIA’s primary concern: whether the social networking platform has obtained the necessary consent for AI training.
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