A change to a major internet service provider’s privacy policy highlights a growing risk for moving companies: operational and personal data may be used to train AI unless users actively opt out. Stefan Dimitrov, Group Managing Partner, Matrix Global Mobility, explains
Recent international media coverage has highlighted a critical development with direct relevance to FIDI members, their employees and their partners. One of the major global internet service providers, Starlink, has updated its privacy policy to allow user data to be used for training artificial intelligence and machine-learning models, unless users explicitly opt out. This change took effect in mid-January and applies by default to users worldwide.
Why this should matter to FIDI Affiliates
This issue goes far beyond IT departments or corporate headquarters. FIDI members operate in environments where client personal data, relocation case information, details of contacts, internal communications and information on routing, volumes, and operational patterns all play a part of daily digital activity.
If connectivity providers collect and reuse user data – including communications metadata and uploaded content – for AI training or share it with third-party collaborators, this creates real risks to the moving business. This includes:
● Disclosure of sensitive business information
● Loss of competitive advantage
● Increased exposure to surveillance or misuse
● Personal data leakage affecting employees and partners.
Importantly, this applies not only to company-owned networks, but also to home offices, mobile connections, temporary project locations and individual user accounts used by employees or subcontractors.
What data can be collected?
According to the updated privacy policy, collected data may include any of the following:
● Personal identification
● Location
● Payment and billing information
● IP addresses and device identifiers
● Communications data, including audio, visual and electronic information
● Content and metadata from uploaded or transmitted files.
How to opt out of AI data use
All users of Starlink services – and indeed of other internet and AI services, whether as companies or individuals – are strongly advised to review and adjust their privacy settings immediately.
- Log in to your Starlink/internet user account
- Go to account settings or privacy settings
- Locate sections related to data usage, machine learning, artificial intelligence and data sharing with partners or third parties
- Disable or opt out of any settings that allow your data to be used for AI or model training
- Save changes and confirm your preferences.
If you manage multiple users or devices, ensure this is done for each account, not only at organisational level.
In an AI-driven environment, the activity and security awareness of every connected device and user matters. FIDI members are encouraged to:
● Raise internal awareness and brief employees
● Review data-sharing policies
● Ensure that sensitive business information remains under proper control.
Protecting trust, confidentiality, and professional integrity is a collective responsibility – it is essential that everyone is vigilant about managing their risk sensibly.
Why do they want my data?
Unless you opt out, online companies will use your personal information for reasons including the following:
● Processing orders and managing payments
● Communicating with you about services and important updates
● Improving customer service and overall user experience
● Running and protecting their business, including troubleshooting, data analysis and system maintenance
● Preventing fraud, security risks and technical issues
● Complying with legal requirements and handling disputes
● Understanding your interests so they can share news, offers and content
● Measuring how effective their communications are
● Using analytics to improve products, services and marketing
● Training machine learning and AI systems in line with this policy.
Note: The information above was adapted from Starlink’s own information.