Changes to LinkedIn Privacy: aka “Pulling a Facebook”

LinkedIn came under some fire this past week for a change in their privacy settings. In essence, they introduced a setting that allows them to use user names and photos to target third-party advertising.

The big rub? The setting is ‘on’ by default. Yes: members can turn it off .. if they know about it and can navigate to the proper settings.

Note that Facebook has quietly made similar changes over the past few years, followed by member outcry and articles on how users can make changes to their account.

In fairness to LinkedIn: the change occurred a few months ago, and they did warn users of the change by updating the LinkedIn Privacy Policy on June 16, 2011. I’m sure an attorney could advise that users were notified .. after all, we did click the ‘okay’ button, or the ‘I accept’ link .. however, both under the duress of being denied our use of the application.

Granted, some self-employed types (me, for example) might enjoy exposure to a wider audience, or an implied association with a favorable advertiser .. but conversely, I’d not enjoy just any implied association, or an advert for a competitor. As the new policy doesn’t give me any control, I would resist this change.

The firestorm started when blogger Steve Woodruff posted “A Box You Want to Uncheck on LinkedIn”, including a number of follow-on updates as the story progressed.

In light of the member response, LinkedIn has reconsidered this strategy. See the LinkedIn blog post: “Privacy, Advertising, and Putting Members First”. A kudos to them for rapid reconsideration and their public response.