Data Protection: LinkedIn reportedly misused data from 18 million non-user emails to target Facebook ads



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LinkedIn, Microsoft's social networking platform for professionals, has nearly 600 million users. And while Facebook and Google were surprised to engage in inappropriate data practices, now it's LinkedIn's turn. The platform has been repeatedly called on the way it suggests these strange links with you.

According to a report published by the Irish Data Protectionvia TechCrunch), LinkedIn has used millions of non-LinkedIn email addresses to target Facebook ads. After receiving a complaint, the Data Protection Commission carried out an audit and concluded that LinkedIn had breached the data protection rules.

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To develop its user base, LinkedIn "has processed choppy email addresses of about 18 million non-LinkedIn members," the report says. These non-LinkedIn users were then used to target ads on Facebook. TechCrunch pointed out that several companies have transferred their data processing operations to Ireland before the implementation of new European data regulations. The DPC further stated that "the complaint was eventually resolved amicably" and LinkedIn stopped processing the non-member data.

"We appreciate the 2017 DPC inquiry into a complaint about an advertising campaign and have fully cooperated. Unfortunately, the processes and procedures in place are not followed and we are sorry. We have taken appropriate action and improved the way we work so that it does not happen again. During the audit, we also identified another area in which we could improve the confidentiality of non-member data. We have therefore voluntarily changed our practices, "said Denis Kelleher, Privacy Officer, LinkedIn EMEA Region.

LinkedIn's decision to stop using data from users without consent indicates that the company is working in good faith. However, this also indicates how technology companies are poised to push the boundaries of user data and increase their user base.


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