LinkedIn, the popular professional networking platform owned by Microsoft, has recently begun asking some users to upload a photo ID when updating their profile information. This has left many LinkedIn members confused as to why this extra verification step is required.
The LinkedIn ID Verification Process
The LinkedIn photo ID verification process involves users being prompted to upload a picture of their government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, when making certain profile changes like adding a new work experience or education section.
LinkedIn states that the purpose of ID verification is to “make sure LinkedIn remains a safe and trusted place for professionals.” By scrutinizing profile changes and comparing user-uploaded IDs, LinkedIn aims to reduce profile falsification and maintain the authenticity and credibility of user profiles.
Some of the common triggers for LinkedIn to request ID upload include:
- Adding a new position at a company
- Adding education like a degree or certification
- Changing your name or other biographical info
- Substantially modifying the work experience section
Users who are prompted to verify via photo ID are given the option to take a picture of their ID card using their phone’s camera or to upload a scanned copy from their computer. LinkedIn states it will securely store uploaded IDs on its verified servers.
If users refuse to comply with identity verification, the requested profile changes do not go live. Users may also see reduced visibility or be unable to edit additional profile sections until ID is provided.
Why LinkedIn is Requiring Photo ID Verification
There are several reasons why LinkedIn has implemented stricter identity checks via photo ID verification:
Combating Fake Profiles
Fake profiles have been an ongoing issue plaguing LinkedIn and other social networks. Scammers or bots create accounts using fabricated personal details and work history. ID verification makes it much harder to get away with fake accounts used for spreading spam, scams, or propaganda.
Curbing ProfilePadding
Some users have been known to embellish or outright falsify information on their LinkedIn profiles, such as listing jobs they didn’t actually hold, degrees they haven’t earned, or skills they don’t possess. The uploading of a valid ID demonstrates the accuracy of user details.
Maintaining Recruiter Trust
LinkedIn profiles have become trusted sources for recruiters evaluating potential candidates. Verified profiles ensure recruiters can continue to rely on the credibility of LinkedIn user data for hiring decisions.
Preventing Corporate Impersonators
Requiring IDs reduces the risk of bad actors creating fake company pages or employee profiles, which could be used to spread false information or even gain access to sensitive corporate data.
Staying Compliant with Evolving Regulations
As concerns over misinformation, cybercrime and national security rise, regulators around the world are imposing stricter identification requirements on social media and other sites. ID verification helps LinkedIn comply with new laws and policies as they emerge.
How Often is LinkedIn Requiring ID Verification?
LinkedIn maintains that the vast majority of users will never have to upload ID. Identity verification seems to be triggered under the following circumstances:
- Making multiple substantial profile changes within a short time period
- Changing to a completely new industry or career path
- Updating details from a new geographic location
- Modifying profile from a different device than typically used
Users whose profiles are already well-established and who make infrequent changes are highly unlikely to be asked for ID verification.
LinkedIn’s ID Verification by the Numbers
Here are some key statistics on LinkedIn’s rollout of photo ID verification requirements:
| Total LinkedIn Users | 790 million (as of October 2022) |
|---|---|
| Users Asked for ID Verification | Less than 1% of users per month |
| Most Common ID Document Requested | Driver’s License |
| ID Verification Success Rate | Over 98% |
| Time to Verify ID | Typically within 15 minutes or less |
As the above table illustrates, ID verification impacts only a small fraction of LinkedIn members, and the process is usually quick and effective at validating user identities.
Reactions to the Photo ID Requirement
LinkedIn users have expressed mixed feelings about having to share their personal identification:
Positive Reactions
- Increased trust in other users and their listed qualifications
- Reduced spam and disturbing content
- Validates the identity of connections
- Makes impersonation more difficult
- Gives recruiters confidence in candidates’ backgrounds
Negative Reactions
- Invasion of privacy
- Data security concerns
- Hassle of uploading ID
- Slows down profile updating process
- Not informed why ID needed in some cases
While some individuals appreciate the enhanced credibility ID verification brings, others worry about personal data protection and see mandatory identification as intrusive and unnecessary in many instances.
Tips for Verifying Your LinkedIn ID
If you are prompted by LinkedIn to verify your identity via photo ID, here are some tips for smoothly completing the process:
- Use the LinkedIn mobile app to take a clear, well-lit photo of your ID card
- Make sure your document photo, name, and other details are clearly visible
- Stick to the accepted ID types like driver’s license, passport or national identity card
- Double check that your personal details match what is listed on your LinkedIn profile
- If asked, provide additional information like your last few ZIP/postal codes
- Follow up with LinkedIn support if your ID gets rejected
With a valid ID and a few minutes to complete the request, you can quickly get back to updating your profile and engaging with your professional network.
Conclusion
LinkedIn’s photo ID verification requirements aim to limit profile misrepresentation and maintain site integrity as bad actors become more sophisticated. However, mandatory identification risks user privacy and presents friction during profile updates. Moving forward, LinkedIn will need to tread carefully and clearly communicate when and why ID verification is necessary to retain user trust while also combating fake accounts and misinformation. With enhanced transparency, it can achieve a balance between simplicity and security.
