Join Sam, a data privacy commentator, and Joseph, a tech industry expert, as they unpack the recent trend of companies like Udemy, PayPal, and LinkedIn opting users into data collection without consent. They dive into Udemy's controversial AI policies and discuss PayPal's lack of transparency regarding user data sharing. The conversation takes a darker turn as Sam recounts the unsettling experience of a woman trapped in a driverless Waymo, raising significant concerns about safety and autonomy in an AI-driven world.
Udemy's controversial default opt-in model for generative AI data usage raises ethical questions about instructor participation and consent.
PayPal and LinkedIn's similar practices of automatically opting users into data sharing emphasize a troubling trend in digital rights and user awareness.
Deep dives
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Udemy's Generative AI Opt-In Policy
Udemy's recent implementation of a generative AI program sparked controversy as it employed a default opt-in model, requiring instructors to actively choose to opt out if they wished. The process included an opt-out window that was only available for a limited time, leading to concerns that many instructors may have missed the opportunity. Udemy communicated that opting out would limit instructors' visibility and potential earnings on the platform, which many saw as a veiled threat coercing them into participation. This raises important questions regarding the ethics of data usage and the implications of teacher-controlled content being utilized for AI training.
PayPal's Data Sharing Practices
PayPal introduced a feature named 'personalized shopping' that automatically opted users in for data sharing with participating retail partners, a change that went largely unnoticed by many users. This method allows PayPal to use personal purchase data for targeted offers, yet the decision to enroll users by default without their explicit consent has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency. The company removed vague wording from its settings that caused further confusion regarding how user data would be handled after a specific date. This development reflects a broader trend among tech companies that prioritize profit over user awareness and control regarding their data.
LinkedIn's Data Utilization for AI Enhancement
LinkedIn faced backlash after it was discovered that the platform was using user-generated content to improve its generative AI features without adequately notifying users or updating its terms of service. The default opt-in status for data usage raised concerns among users who felt trapped into participation without clear communication. Similar to PayPal and Udemy, LinkedIn's approach reflects an alarming trend where user consent is assumed rather than confirmed. As these practices become more widespread, they highlight a significant challenge in digital rights and ethical data management across multiple online platforms.
Over the past two weeks we've had a ton of stories where AI and other companies have opted users into data collection and processing by default. What the hell is going on??? They're all doing it at once! Jason starts us off with how Udemy created an 'opt-out window'. If you missed it, you're out of luck until next year. Then after the break, Sam and Joseph discuss similar stories with PayPal and LinkedIn. In the subscribers-only section, Sam talks about how a woman was essentially trapped in a driverless Waymo.