DATA THREAT
Your Data Is Training AI to Replace You
Skill is the last mile from general AI to your specific job. Your experience data is the last defense line.
The Last Mile Problem
A foundation model alone can't do your job. But add your industry data, your workflows, your expertise — and it becomes your replacement.
Foundation Model
General capability, no specialization
Fine-tuning / Skills
→
Your Data & Experience
Industry knowledge, workflows, expertise
Specialization
→
Your Replacement
AI that does YOUR specific job
↓
The more open your experience data is, the faster AI crosses the last mile to replace you.
What You Already Agreed To
Most people unknowingly "agreed" to let their data train AI. Here's what's in the fine print:
| Platform | AI Training Clause | Risk | What It Trains |
|---|---|---|---|
| GitHub Copilot | Public code used to train Copilot. Business plans may use your code for model improvement. | Explicit Training | Code generation AI → replaces junior developers |
| ChatGPT / OpenAI | Conversations used for model training unless opted out in settings. | Explicit Training | General AI capabilities → replaces knowledge workers |
| Google Workspace | Data may be used to improve AI-powered features in Workspace products. | Ambiguous | Document/email AI → replaces admin & assistants |
| Microsoft 365 Copilot | Organizational data feeds AI features. Grounding data used in real-time. | Ambiguous | Office productivity AI → replaces analysts |
| Profile data, posts, and interactions used for AI-powered recommendations and features. | Explicit Training | Recruiting AI → automates hiring decisions | |
| Slack | Messages analyzed for AI search and summary features. Enterprise controls available. | Ambiguous | Workplace AI → automates communication workflows |
| Zoom | Updated 2023: Meeting data may train AI. Opt-out after backlash. | Opt-out Available | Meeting AI → replaces note-takers & schedulers |
| Adobe Creative Cloud | Creative content analyzed. Firefly trained on Adobe Stock and licensed content. | Explicit Training | Image/design AI → replaces junior designers |
The Feedback Loop
You create data→Company collects it→AI trains on it→AI replaces you→Company profits
Real example: Developers wrote code on GitHub → Copilot trained on it → Companies now hire fewer junior devs
The people who created the training data are the first to be replaced.
Protect Your Last Defense Line
Actionable steps to guard your experience data:
Review AI training opt-out settings on every platform you use
Understand your employer's data collection and AI training policies
Develop non-digitizable skills: judgment, relationships, physical craft
Keep proprietary knowledge in non-indexed, private formats
Know your rights: GDPR (EU) and data protection laws grant you control