LinkedIn, the professional networking platform owned by Microsoft, has faced several legal challenges and lawsuits over the years related to privacy, data scraping, spam, and other issues. Here is an overview of some of the major legal actions brought against LinkedIn.
Privacy and Data Violations
LinkedIn has faced scrutiny from regulators and legal action over its privacy policies and handling of user data:
- In 2011, LinkedIn settled with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over charges that the company had deceived its users about the security of their passwords and data. LinkedIn agreed to establish a comprehensive privacy program to protect user data as part of the settlement.
- In 2013, LinkedIn settled a class action lawsuit alleging the company had improperly sent users’ emails and contacts data from external email accounts to LinkedIn servers without permission. LinkedIn paid $1.25 million as part of the settlement and agreed to better inform users how their data is handled.
- In November 2021, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined LinkedIn €28 million for violations of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DPC found LinkedIn’s legal basis for processing user data was deficient and that the company lacked transparency around its data processing activities.
Data Scraping Issues
LinkedIn has frequently been the target of data scrapers who seek to harvest user data from the platform en masse. Legal action related to scraping includes:
- In 2014, LinkedIn sued data analytics startup Connectifier, alleging the company scraped and copied data on millions of LinkedIn members without permission. The case settled in 2015.
- In 2017, LinkedIn sued 100 unnamed individuals for scraping public profile data from the platform. LinkedIn claimed the scraping violated its terms of service.
- In 2020, LinkedIn filed suit against email marketing company Octopus CRM for allegedly scraping data onLinkedIn members and offering that data through its products.
Spam and Scams
LinkedIn has sought legal remedies for the spam and scams that proliferate on its platform:
- In 2015, LinkedIn won a $13 million judgment against companies who used fake LinkedIn profiles to send members spam emails.
- LinkedIn routinely sends cease-and-desist letters to third parties misusing LinkedIn trademarks and branding to promote scams or illicit services targeting LinkedIn members.
- In 2022, LinkedIn filed suit against dozens of unnamed individuals falsely posing as LinkedIn employees to endorse or connect with members for phishing and financial fraud purposes.
Intellectual Property Disputes
LinkedIn has protected its trademarks and other intellectual property through legal action:
- In 2011, LinkedIn prevailed in a trademark infringement case against domain registrant who registered LinkedIn-related domain names like “linkadins.com.”
- In 2016, LinkedIn settled trademark litigation against security firm ZL Technologies, which used the name “LinkedIntelligence” for one of its products.
- LinkedIn routinely sends cease-and-desist letters to companies improperly using names, logos, or branding too similar to LinkedIn’s trademarks.
Advertising and Promotion Issues
LinkedIn has faced allegations over its advertising and self-promotion practices:
- In 2016, LinkedIn paid $13 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the company sent emails promoting its paid services that violated advertising laws. Users claimed the emails looked like personal messages rather than advertisements.
- In 2021, Italy’s competition authority fined LinkedIn €300,000 for alleged “misleading and aggressive” practices in promoting its premium paid services to users.
Labor Disputes
LinkedIn has also faced lawsuits and other legal action related to its employment practices:
- In 2013, LinkedIn paid $6 million to hundreds of employees to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the company failed to compensate for overtime work.
- In 2021, LinkedIn settled a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Labor alleging the company violated federal contractor obligations by using screening methods that disadvantaged applicants with disabilities.
Prosecution for Data Misuse
In addition to lawsuits, LinkedIn has cooperated with law enforcement prosecutions when its platform is misused:
- In 2012, LinkedIn worked with the FBI to investigate and prosecute members using the site to solicit kickbacks during the bidding process for government contracts.
- In 2016, LinkedIn provided data to French authorities to identify individuals illicitly using the site to sell endangered animal parts.
Ongoing Monitoring
While LinkedIn has prevailed against some legal challenges, ongoing lawsuits and regulatory actions indicate authorities continue monitoring the platform:
- In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled users can sue LinkedIn for violations even if they agree to arbitration, opening the door to additional class action lawsuits.
- Ireland’s DPC continues investigations into LinkedIn’s compliance with GDPR requirements for transparency around data processing.
- Consumer groups urge the FTC to take action against LinkedIn and other social media companies for illegal user data practices.
Conclusion
LinkedIn has faced a range of lawsuits and legal actions related to privacy, intellectual property, advertising, labor practices, and misuse of its platform. Key cases include FTC and GDPR privacy investigations, data scraping lawsuits, spam and fraud prosecutions, and disputes over advertising and trademarks. Settlements and court rulings against LinkedIn indicate authorities are serious about enforcing protections for users and the public when it comes to social media data practices.
Ongoing litigation and regulatory oversight means LinkedIn is likely to face additional legal scrutiny of how it handles user data, content moderation, targeted advertising, and compliance with privacy laws. With over 800 million members, LinkedIn’s practices have major implications for professional networking and social media. Its response to legal challenges will continue shaping user rights and industry norms in the digital age.