LinkedIn’s privacy policy outlines how the professional networking platform collects, uses, shares, and protects the personal information of its users. The privacy policy aims to provide transparency around LinkedIn’s data practices so users can make informed decisions about using the platform.
What personal information does LinkedIn collect?
LinkedIn collects a variety of personal information from its users both directly and indirectly. Some of the key types of user information LinkedIn may collect include:
- Profile information – This includes information users provide in their account profiles such as name, photo, contact details, education history, employment history, skills, etc.
- User content – Any information users post on LinkedIn such as status updates, articles, comments, messages, etc.
- Connections – LinkedIn collects information about a user’s connections and network on the platform.
- Searches and browsing history – LinkedIn records users’ activity on the platform such as search queries, pages viewed, clicks, etc.
- Device information – LinkedIn collects information about users’ devices such as IP address, operating system, browser type, etc.
- Location data – With user permission, LinkedIn collects location data from devices to provide relevant services.
In addition to actively provided information, LinkedIn also receives some information passively such as through tracking technologies like cookies. Overall, the depth of personal information collected by LinkedIn depends on how users utilize the platform and their privacy settings.
How does LinkedIn use the collected information?
LinkedIn states that they use the personal information collected for the following purposes:
- Provide users the core LinkedIn services such as profiles, networks, communication tools, job listings, etc.
- Enable customized features that rely on user information such as personalized recommendations, advertising, content, etc.
- Research and develop new services for users based on usage analytics and testing.
- Promote safety, integrity and security across LinkedIn’s products.
- Communicate with users for administrative purposes via notifications, emails, messages, etc.
- Display targeted ads to users both on and off the LinkedIn platform.
- Conduct user surveys, research and data analysis to improve LinkedIn’s services.
LinkedIn states that they only process personal information for the purposes outlined in the privacy policy. Users have control over their privacy settings and can limit some of LinkedIn’s collection and use of their personal data.
Who does LinkedIn share user information with?
LinkedIn shares user data with the following parties:
- LinkedIn subsidiaries – User information may be shared across LinkedIn subsidiaries for business purposes.
- Third party services – Vendors and contractors who provide services for LinkedIn such as website hosting, data analysis, payment processing, etc. These services are bound by strict confidentiality obligations.
- Advertising partners – LinkedIn shares data with third party ad partners to display targeted ads on and off the platform. This includes basic profile information, content interactions, device data, etc.
- Corporate affiliates – LinkedIn may share limited information with business partners such as clients, sponsors, enterprises to enable joint services like customized products.
- Academic researchers – LinkedIn may provide certain user data to academic researchers after thorough vetting and approval processes, to conduct research that advances science and innovation for the greater public good.
Apart from the above sharing, LinkedIn states they do not sell or share personal identifiable information with third parties without user consent.
Does LinkedIn share information globally?
Yes, LinkedIn operates global data centers and services millions of members worldwide. To provide consistent services across geographies, some key information sharing practices include:
- Profile information, content and networks may be visible globally by default, unless users limit visibility via privacy settings.
- Data like device info, cookies, ad IDs, etc. may be shared across borders to tailor global services.
- Job search data may be shared across countries to enable relevant opportunities.
- For services delivered via third parties, necessary data transfers and sharing across geographies may take place.
- Following legal protocols, law enforcement agencies may be provided with limited data to investigate crimes, threats and violations across jurisdictions.
So in summary, due to LinkedIn’s globally distributed nature, user data may reside on servers and systems worldwide, although appropriate governance mechanism are enforced.
How does LinkedIn secure user data?
LinkedIn states they implement robust physical, administrative and technical safeguards to ensure safety of user data. Some key elements include:
- Access control mechanisms to restrict data access only to authorized staff.
- Encryption of sensitive data during storage and transmission.
- Compliance with international data protection laws and frameworks.
- Testing protocols to identify and fix potential system vulnerabilities.
- Policies that hold employees accountable for lawful use of data.
- Infrastructure security via firewalls, intrusion detection, etc.
In the event of a data breach, LinkedIn has policies to promptly notify impacted users and relevant regulatory agencies, as mandated by law.
What privacy settings and controls does LinkedIn provide?
LinkedIn provides users with the following key privacy settings and controls:
- Profile visibility – Users can limit who can view their profile and presence on LinkedIn.
- Ad preferences – Option to see fewer targeted ads and adjust preferences.
- Cookie controls – Ability to limit cookies and tracking technologies used by LinkedIn.
- Communication permissions – Users can adjust notifications and messaging preferences.
- Data downloads – Option to download data from LinkedIn to user’s personal records.
- Data deletion – Users can request deletion of their LinkedIn account and associated data.
- Partners program – Opt out of sharing of data with select LinkedIn partner programs.
In addition, LinkedIn also provides options to report privacy issues, change account settings at any time and understand how user data powers services via explanatory videos.
How can users access, modify and delete their LinkedIn data?
LinkedIn grants users the ability to access, modify, export and delete their personal data from the platform. Some options include:
- Viewing and changing profile data via profile editing tools.
- Downloading a copy of personal LinkedIn data via settings.
- Modifying and deleting specific items like posts, photos via privacy tools.
- Permanently deleting full account and associated personal data via account deletion option.
- Filing support tickets for comprehensive personal data requests.
- Revoking permissions granted to third party apps to access LinkedIn data.
LinkedIn states that in some cases, they may retain certain information if required for legal or operational requirements even after account deletion. But overall, users have control over their privacy and data within LinkedIn’s systems.
How does LinkedIn notify users about privacy policy changes?
LinkedIn states that whenever substantive changes are made to their privacy policy, they notify users via:
- Email notifications sent to the primary email associated with the LinkedIn account.
- On-site notifications via banners, pop-ups when users login to LinkedIn site or apps.
- Posts on the official LinkedIn blog and social media channels.
Minor changes to wording, formatting that do not impact user rights may be made without notice. Users are encouraged to periodically review the full privacy policy for changes.
Does LinkedIn comply with privacy regulations?
Yes, LinkedIn states that their privacy policy adheres to global data protection laws and regulations including:
- European Union’s GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation
- United States’ CCPA – California Consumer Privacy Act
- ISO – International Organization for Standardization frameworks
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CBPR system
LinkedIn offers EU-specific privacy rights to users worldwide wherever applicable. They continually adapt their data policies to align with changing regulatory landscapes.
How can users contact LinkedIn for privacy concerns?
If users have any questions or concerns about LinkedIn’s privacy practices, they can contact LinkedIn via the following channels:
- Visit LinkedIn’s Privacy Policy page and use the embedded webform.
- Submit privacy questions and reports via LinkedIn Help Center.
- Email LinkedIn’s Data Protection Officer at [email protected]
- Mail written requests to: LinkedIn Corporation Attn: Privacy Policy Issues 1000 West Maude Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085
LinkedIn states they have dedicated privacy teams to promptly respond to user inquiries on privacy matters.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn’s privacy policy provides transparency into how they handle user data. They collect various types of personal information to provide customized services. While they share some data with third parties and affiliates, they also implement safeguards around user privacy. Users have options to control visibility and usage of their information. LinkedIn continuously adapts their privacy practices to comply with changing regulations worldwide. Maintaining user trust through data protection is stated to be their priority.
