Observed Signal · Sep 19, 2025 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
LinkedIn to Train AI on User Data, With Opt-Out
LinkedIn announced that, within weeks, it will begin using user data by default to train AI, including data used for advertising optimization. Users can opt out via a slider in the account settings, and private messages are excluded from training. The data-sharing expansion covers user-interaction data with connected companies, including Microsoft and its subsidiaries, to improve advertising offerings such as Microsoft Advertising and AI-enabled campaigns. The changes apply to the US and the rest of the world, but not the EEA or Switzerland; in the EEA, LinkedIn relies on GDPR legitimate interest, with user objections still possible. LinkedIn also notes updates to its Terms of Service and that certain topics may not receive prior notice. The article mentions other platforms (Pinterest, Meta, Reddit, Google, OpenAI, Claude, CapCut) as also using or discussing AI training with user data.
Policy update on data usage for AI training; moderate impact on advertising data sharing
Track LinkedIn Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- LinkedIn will start using user data by default for AI training in coming weeks.
- Users can opt out via a slider in settings; private messages are excluded from training.
- LinkedIn will share user interaction data with connected companies, including Microsoft and its subsidiaries.
- The data-sharing changes apply to the US and the rest of the world, but not the EEA/Switzerland.
- LinkedIn cites GDPR legitimate interest for the EEA, with opt-out rights for users.
Connected Companies & Entities
9 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Grok Bot Searches X, Integrates Rival AI Models
SpaceXAI has enhanced its AI agent Grok Bot with the ability to continuously search and analyze the entire X platform. Users can now deploy the agent for 24/7 social listening, brand monitoring, and trend analysis, similar to Google's Information Agents. Grok Bot will also integrate other AI models from competitors, such as Claude Opus 5.5, Midjourney, and Suno, depending on the task. This move signals a shift towards multi-model AI agents and expands the capabilities of AI-driven social media analytics.
Instagram Edits App Now Supports Carousel Creation
Instagram's Edits app now allows creators to create Carousel posts directly within the app, according to an announcement by Instagram's Creators account via Instagram and Threads. The feature is available immediately for iOS users, with an Android version expected soon. In a broadcast channel, Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed that users can mix photos and videos on any slide, connect images across slides, and use the same stickers, text effects, and cutouts used in video editing. This functionality aims to streamline content creation and boost engagement, as Carousels remain a popular format on the platform. Additionally, the Edits AI Assistant, which provides video ideas based on account metrics, is currently available only in the US. Meta continues to enhance its creator tools to support social media marketing efforts.
Global ad market grows 11.9% in 2026; print, TV weak
According to Warc Media's forecast, the global advertising market is set to grow by 11.9% in 2026 to $1.34 trillion, following 10% growth in 2024 and 2025. Key growth drivers include investments in AI and major events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Social media will see the strongest growth at 21.3% to $394.6 billion, followed by VOD, retail media, search, and DOOH. Traditional media declines: TV down 1.8%, print down 0.9%, and radio down 3.0%. Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta will capture a combined 59.7% of global ad spend outside China. The growth is expected to normalize to 8.4% in 2027 and 7.9% in 2028. AI is reshaping targeting, creative, and campaign optimization, and creating new ad environments like generative search.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.