LinkedIn, Apple, and Meta: Privacy at the Crossroads of Technology and Ethics

January 24, 2025 | Cybersecurity
By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS

The boundaries between user convenience and privacy are getting increasingly blurred.

Leading tech giants like LinkedIn, Apple, and Meta are under intense scrutiny, facing backlash for their alleged misuse of user data. While privacy remains a touted value for these companies, recent controversies highlight growing concerns over whether their actions align with their promises.

LinkedIn: Data Privacy or AI Training Grounds?

Microsoft-owned LinkedIn is under fire for allegedly using private messages from its premium users to train artificial intelligence models without explicit consent.

A class-action lawsuit filed in California accuses LinkedIn of implementing changes that ostensibly allowed users to control data-sharing for AI training but enabled the option by default.

Reports revealed that the company updated its privacy policy after users complained about being quietly opted-in. Crucially, the policy included a hyperlink to an FAQ page disclosing that personal messages could be used for AI training by unnamed third parties, potentially beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem.

The lawsuit alleges that LinkedIn’s lack of transparency reflects deliberate attempts to sidestep scrutiny. Furthermore, LinkedIn disclosed that the AI models trained using this data could not be reversed, meaning user data is now irreversibly embedded in generative AI systems.

LinkedIn denies the allegations, asserting the claims are baseless. However, this controversy raises critical questions about informed consent and the ethics of leveraging private communications for AI advancements.

Apple: A Crack in the Privacy Fortress?

Apple, long lauded for its commitment to user privacy, faced a $95 million settlement over allegations that its voice assistant, Siri, unintentionally recorded private conversations without consent. This lawsuit underscores the risks inherent in voice-activated technologies, where devices may capture sensitive discussions even without users uttering the wake word, “Hey Siri.”

The issue came to light in 2019 when a report revealed that contractors reviewed Siri recordings, some of which included intimate conversations, medical discussions, and confidential business exchanges. Users also claimed these recordings fuelled targeted advertising, eroding trust in Apple’s vaunted privacy policies.

Although Apple apologized and introduced features like opt-in data sharing and the ability to delete Siri history, the damage to its reputation lingers. Critics argue that even tech leaders emphasizing privacy can falter under the pressure to monetize user data.

Meta: Perpetual Backlash Over Privacy Practices

Meta (formerly Facebook) has long been a lightning rod for privacy-related controversies. Despite rebranding itself as a metaverse-centric company, its core business model remains rooted in user data monetization. Meta has faced backlash for its handling of sensitive user data, including accusations of enabling intrusive targeted ads and failing to secure personal information adequately.

Recent lawsuits have further spotlighted Meta’s practices, particularly concerning its data collection methods for AI model training. European regulators and privacy advocates have consistently flagged the company for violating stringent data protection laws like GDPR, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability in data governance.

A Broader Privacy Reckoning

Beyond LinkedIn, Apple, and Meta, the tech industry faces an intensifying debate about the trade-offs between innovation and privacy.

Governments, particularly in Europe, are tightening regulations. For example, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission recently launched legal action against X Corp (formerly Twitter) for using European user data to train its AI-powered tool, Grok, allegedly violating GDPR.

What’s at Stake for Users?

For consumers, the stakes are high. AI-driven tools and voice assistants have revolutionized convenience, but at what cost?

Data leaks, unauthorized use of personal information, and opaque privacy policies erode trust and expose individuals to risks like identity theft and surveillance.

The controversies surrounding LinkedIn, Apple, and Meta underscore a harsh reality: as companies race to lead in AI and digital innovation, the lines between user empowerment and exploitation grow increasingly blurred.

To rebuild trust, tech companies must prioritize transparency, secure informed consent, and provide clear options for users to control their data. Policymakers must also remain vigilant, enforcing stringent regulations to ensure accountability.

Ultimately, privacy is not just a technical or legal issue but a fundamental human right. As the battles over privacy unfold, the world watches to see whether these tech giants will lead by example or continue to put profits over principles.