LinkedIn users warned to review their online data following privacy rule change
Sophos has warned LinkedIn users of the need to be aware of a change to the business social networking site's privacy policy, apparently allowing the site to use member's names and photos in promotional advertisements. The change, says the IT security vendor, allows LinkedIn to use the information and pictures by default, meaning that users have to opt out of seeing their names and photos in the site's advertisements.
The company notes that, whilst LinkedIn did place a notification on its website of the changes, many may have missed the following paragraph in the site's revised 6,400 word privacy policy:
"LinkedIn may sometimes pair an advertiser's message with social content from LinkedIn's network in order to make the ad more relevant. When LinkedIn members recommend people and services, follow companies, or take other actions, their name/photo may show up in related ads shown to you. Conversely, when you take these actions on LinkedIn, your name/photo may show up in related ads shown to LinkedIn members."
