Yes, LinkedIn does use cookies. Cookies are small text files that websites store on a user’s computer or mobile device to track information about them. LinkedIn uses cookies for a variety of purposes, including:
Authentication Cookies
LinkedIn uses authentication cookies to recognize users when they log in and keep them logged in. These cookies contain encrypted information to verify users and keep them logged into their LinkedIn account.
Security Cookies
LinkedIn uses security cookies to detect fraudulent activity and protect user data from unauthorized access. These cookies track login attempts and help identify suspicious behavior.
Preference Cookies
Preference cookies store information about a user’s choices and preferences on the LinkedIn platform. This includes things like language settings, layout, and other customizations.
Analytics and Performance Cookies
LinkedIn uses analytics and performance cookies to collect data about how users interact with their website and services. This helps LinkedIn identify usage trends, optimize webpages, and improve the overall performance of their platform.
Advertising Cookies
LinkedIn utilizes advertising cookies to deliver targeted and relevant ads to users both on and off the LinkedIn platform. They use information like profiles and browsing habits to display ads that might interest users.
Third Party Cookies
In addition to its own cookies, LinkedIn allows certain third party partners to set cookies through its websites. These cookies collect user data that gets shared with these third party sites.
How Long Do LinkedIn Cookies Last?
LinkedIn uses cookies that have varying expiration dates. Some only last for the duration of a session while others can last for years. Here are some examples of LinkedIn cookie durations:
| Cookie Name | Duration |
|---|---|
| li_gc | 2 years |
| bcookie | 2 years |
| bscookie | 2 years |
| lidc | 1 day |
| lang | Session |
| JSESSIONID | Session |
As you can see, cookies like li_gc, bcookie, and bscookie have a long duration of 2 years. Meanwhile, others like lidc and JSESSIONID only last for a single user session.
Managing LinkedIn Cookies
If users want to control the cookies LinkedIn sets on their device, they have a few options:
- Adjust cookie settings within LinkedIn – Users can enable/disable certain cookies in their account settings.
- Use browser cookie settings – Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari have built-in cookie management tools.
- Install a 3rd party cookie manager – Browser extensions like Ghostery let users manually block/allow cookies.
- opt out of targeted ads – Users can opt out of targeted advertising through industry opt-out programs.
Completely blocking LinkedIn cookies may negatively impact the performance and functionality of LinkedIn services. But users have some control over cookie collection based on their preferences.
LinkedIn Cookie Policy
LinkedIn outlines how they use cookies and similar tracking technologies in their cookie policy. Here are some key points covered in their policy:
- Types of cookies used – authentication, security, analytics, advertising, etc.
- Third party cookies – Partners like Google and Bing set cookies through LinkedIn.
- Cookie management – Instructions on controlling LinkedIn cookie settings.
- Do Not Track signals – LinkedIn does not respond to Do Not Track browser signals.
- Data storage – Some cookie data may be transferred to the United States.
- Policy updates – Cookies and tracking may change as the policy is updated periodically.
LinkedIn states that by using their services, users agree to the use of cookies and similar technologies in accordance with their policy. The full cookie policy can be found in the privacy section of LinkedIn’s website.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn does utilize cookies across their desktop and mobile websites as well as mobile apps. They use these cookies to store login details, track user activity, improve performance, and display targeted ads. While users have some control through their browser settings, LinkedIn cookies are essential to many website functions. Managing cookies is a balancing act between privacy concerns and maintaining full use of LinkedIn’s services. Always refer to their cookie policy for the latest information on how LinkedIn employs cookies and related technologies.
Other Questions Related to LinkedIn’s Use of Cookies
Does LinkedIn use cookies to track you across the web?
In addition to LinkedIn.com, LinkedIn can use cookies and other tracking technologies to collect data about users across the web. Through partnerships with companies like Google and Microsoft, LinkedIn places cookies on third party websites visited by LinkedIn users for targeted advertising and analytics purposes.
What kind of data does LinkedIn collect through cookies?
Cookies allow LinkedIn to collect different types of data about their users including: login/authentication information, website activity, preferences and settings, browsing history, advertising interactions, and more. This data helps improve LinkedIn’s services and target ads.
Does LinkedIn share cookie data with third parties?
Yes, LinkedIn may share data gathered through cookies with third parties and service providers. Their cookie policy states that data may be shared with “vendors, consultants, and other service provides” to carry out services for LinkedIn. They may also share data with business partners, advertisers, and for compliance reasons.
Can you use LinkedIn without allowing cookies?
While functional cookies like authentication and security cookies are required to properly use LinkedIn, other cookies can be disabled through browser settings. This may limit functionality such as storing preferences or targeted ads. Completely blocking cookies is difficult but users can limit tracking by third party sites.
Are LinkedIn cookies a risk to user privacy?
There are privacy risks to allowing extensive cookie tracking by LinkedIn and third parties through their platform. However, LinkedIn states that they do not sell personal data and they have security measures to protect collected data. Users can employ cookie management to limit tracking based on their privacy concerns.
Does LinkedIn use flash cookies or other tracking methods?
In addition to regular browser cookies, LinkedIn may employ other methods such as web beacons, flash cookies, and device fingerprinting according to their privacy policy. These can also track user activity but are less transparent than regular cookies. LinkedIn cookie management tools can help limit these methods.
Is LinkedIn compliant with global privacy regulations for cookies?
LinkedIn states they comply with global regulations like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regarding use of cookies and user data. However, they have faced some criticism over certain practices. Overall, they aim to provide transparency around cookies and provide user controls.
Do LinkedIn mobile apps also use cookies?
Yes, LinkedIn’s mobile apps for iOS and Android also use cookies stored on devices to collect data and track activity. Mobile app privacy settings as well as device settings can help manage LinkedIn app cookies. But functionality may be limited if you disable them.
Does deleting LinkedIn cookies remove your data from their servers?
Deleting LinkedIn cookies removes them from your device but does not erase data LinkedIn has already collected about you. Your profile, posts, and other data remains on their servers. To request deletion of server data, you must contact LinkedIn customer service.
Do you have to accept LinkedIn cookies to sign up for an account?
LinkedIn requires certain functional cookies for registering and maintaining an account. You must accept these upon signup. Additional cookies that collect data for ads, analytics etc. can be disabled later through your account privacy settings or browser tools.
If I limit LinkedIn cookies will it affect my user experience?
Extensively limiting cookies may impact LinkedIn features and functionality. Things like remembering login details, tracking feed activity, targeted ads, and usage analytics rely on cookies. But cookies can be selectively managed based on privacy preferences while maintaining core functions.
Does LinkedIn honor ‘Do Not Track’ browser settings?
No, LinkedIn explicitly states in their privacy policy that user browser ‘Do Not Track’ signals are not acted upon at this time. LinkedIn does provide other cookie management options for users to limit tracking.
Where can I find the latest information about LinkedIn cookies?
You can view LinkedIn’s current cookie policy and privacy information by visiting their privacy policy page from the footer on LinkedIn.com. This details their cookie practices and explains how user data is collected, used, and protected.
Conclusion
LinkedIn cookies allow the platform to provide personalized, secure, and functional services to users. However they can also be employed to extensively track user activity across the web. Understanding LinkedIn’s specific cookie practices allows users to make informed decisions when managing cookies based on privacy preferences. As with any website’s cookie policy, staying up to date as practices evolve is key to maintaining transparency and control.
