LinkedIn, the professional social media platform owned by Microsoft, has recently started asking some users to verify their identity. This verification process requires users to confirm their identity by providing government IDs or other documentation. Many users are wondering why LinkedIn is suddenly asking them to complete this extra step.
The Rise of Fake Profiles
One of the main reasons LinkedIn is asking for ID verification from users is to combat the rise of fake profiles on the platform. LinkedIn has over 750 million members, making it an attractive target for scammers and bots looking to create fake accounts. These fraudulent accounts are often used for spreading spam, malware, and conducting phishing attacks.
According to LinkedIn’s estimates, about 15% of profiles on their platform are likely fake. That equates to over 110 million potential fake accounts. The company has been working to crack down on these fraudulent accounts by using technology like AI and machine learning to detect patterns. However, bots are getting more sophisticated at mimicking real human behavior. That’s why LinkedIn is now asking some real users to verify who they say they are.
How Fake Profiles Hurt LinkedIn
Fake profiles pose a major problem for LinkedIn on multiple levels:
- They dilute the quality of connections and engagement on the platform
- They are used to spread spam, malware, and phishing scams
- They damage LinkedIn’s credibility as a professional network
- They decrease trust between real users
Having too many inauthentic profiles hurts LinkedIn’s brand image and makes the platform less useful for genuine professional networking and relationship building. That’s why detecting and removing fakes is a priority.
Selective Verification Process
LinkedIn isn’t asking every user to verify their identity. The verification prompts are only being sent to a small percentage of members selected for additional screening. There are a few factors that may trigger the verification process:
- New user accounts with sparse profiles
- Accounts with sudden spikes in connections
- Profiles with questionable work histories or education
- Users reported for suspicious activity
- Random sampling of existing profiles
If your profile fits one of these categories, you may receive a verification request. The process involves submitting a government ID, like a driver’s license or passport, that matches the name on your LinkedIn profile. Some users may be asked to provide other documents, like an employee badge or college transcript.
The Verification Process
Here are the steps involved in LinkedIn’s identity verification process:
- User receives email and in-app notifications to verify identity
- User submits photo of acceptable ID document
- LinkedIn reviewers check if ID matches profile details
- If matched, profile gets “verified” badge and icon
- If mismatch, user may need to update profile or submit additional proof
LinkedIn states they have a team dedicated to reviewing submissions and verifying identities. They claim the process should take 3-5 business days after providing documentation.
Pros of LinkedIn Verification
While handing over personal ID to LinkedIn gives some users pause, there are benefits to the verification process:
- Reduced spam and scams – Verified profiles makes it harder for scammers to operate.
- Increased trust – Members can be more confident connecting with verified profiles.
- Enhanced reputation – Being verified gives your profile more credibility.
- Improved personalization – Verified info helps LinkedIn recommend better content and connections.
Essentially, verification helps improve the overall LinkedIn experience for genuine professionals using the platform for networking and career growth.
Displaying the Verified Badge
Once your identity is verified, LinkedIn will display a blue checkmark “verified” badge on your profile. This signals to other members that you are who you claim to be. Verified accounts may also get boosted visibility in some areas of LinkedIn.
Concerns About Verification
Some LinkedIn users have raised concerns about the identity verification process, such as:
- Having to share personal/sensitive documents
- Potential for profile details being misused
- Lack of transparency in how verification is triggered
- Verification adding unnecessary friction to user experience
LinkedIn states that they have security measures in place to protect sensitive documents, and that all data is only used for verification purposes. But some privacy advocates argue that users shouldn’t have to trade privacy for access to an online platform.
Verification Requests by Mistake
There have also been some complaints of verification emails being sent to established users with complete profiles. This suggests that LinkedIn’s automated triggers for prompting verification may need improvement. Too many unnecessary requests could annoy long-time users.
Verification is Becoming the Norm
While LinkedIn may still have some kinks to work out in their verification process, identity confirmation is fast becoming the norm across social media. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Airbnb, and Tinder all have some form of user verification too:
| Platform | Verification Method |
|---|---|
| Uploading government ID | |
| Providing phone number or email | |
| Airbnb | Confirming government ID, offline info |
| Tinder | Uploading a real selfie for facial recognition match |
The era of anonymous online profiles is ending as platforms aim to build trust and combat abusive behavior. While some see verification as an invasion of privacy, others view it as a necessary step to reclaim online communities.
The Future of Online Identity
Some technology leaders have proposed new solutions for managing digital identity in the future. Microsoft has advocated for a decentralized identity system that would give users more control through encrypted digital IDs. But robust identity frameworks pose challenges around cost, adoption, and governance. For now, platform-specific verification remains the norm.
Verification on LinkedIn is Here to Stay
Despite some opposing concerns, LinkedIn’s verification process is likely here to stay. The company has a responsibility to protect its 750 million members from spam, scams, and abuse. As fake profiles become more sophisticated, human review of documents may be the best recourse.
To maintain trust in the platform, LinkedIn needs to:
- Be transparent about how the verification process works
- Improve algorithms to minimize unnecessary verification requests
- Encrypt and protect user documents against misuse
- Make the verification experience as frictionless as possible
With care taken to address privacy fears, identity verification could make LinkedIn a better experience for authentic professionals looking to build connections. Other social networks may soon follow suit with their own verification systems if issues with fake accounts persist.
The Bottom Line
While handing over personal documents to LinkedIn may feel invasive to some users, identity verification is becoming a necessary step for online platforms to build trust and fight abuse. As long as precautions are taken to protect user data, the pros of verification likely outweigh the cons for most genuine LinkedIn members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does LinkedIn ask for verification?
LinkedIn asks a small percentage of users chosen based on factors like sparse profiles, sudden spikes in connections, questionable details, reported accounts, and random sampling. The process involves submitting a government ID matching profile details.
What types of ID can you use to verify LinkedIn?
LinkedIn accepts government-issued IDs such as driver’s licenses, passports, national ID cards, and immigrant documentation. Some users may need to provide additional documents like college transcripts, if requested.
Is LinkedIn verification mandatory?
Verification is not yet mandatory for all LinkedIn members. It’s currently only prompted selectively for accounts flagged for review. But verification may become a requirement for all users in the future as LinkedIn continues fighting fake profiles.
Can you remove the verified badge from your LinkedIn?
No, users cannot remove the verified badge once their identity is confirmed by LinkedIn. The blue checkmark badge is meant to be a visible indicator that you are a real, verified user on LinkedIn.
Does verification help your LinkedIn profile?
Yes, being verified can boost your LinkedIn profile’s credibility and trustworthiness. Verified accounts may also get preferential treatment in certain LinkedIn algorithms and visibility. But it’s not a necessity for using LinkedIn.
Conclusion
LinkedIn has implemented identity verification to tackle its fake profile problem and restore user trust. The process involves submitting government ID to confirm profile details. While handing over personal documents raises some privacy concerns, verification provides benefits like reduced scams and increased credibility for genuine users. As online imposter accounts become more sophisticated, platforms like LinkedIn are likely to make identity confirmation a standard requirement for access.
