The Irish Data Protection Authority has fined LinkedIn €310 million. The reason: The job network is said to have misused user data for advertising purposes without being asked.
Due to data protection violations in the EU, LinkedIn is to pay a fine of 310 million euros. This comes from an official one notice the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC). Accordingly, the company is said to have unlawfully obtained consent to use user data for web purposes.
LinkedIn is said to have used user data for advertising without being asked
The DPC’s jurisdiction arises from the fact that Microsoft subsidiary LinkedIn has its European headquarters in Ireland. This is the case with many US corporations because they benefit from cheaper taxes there. In addition to paying a fine, the data protection authority is now demanding that the company immediately stop its previous actions.
Specifically, data protection officers complain, for example, that certain data processing settings were already automatically activated in advance. In some cases, LinkedIn also viewed continued use of the platform as acceptance of new terms and conditions.
“Serious violation of fundamental rights”
The DPC also criticized LinkedIn’s actions for a lack of “legality, fairness and transparency”. Graham Doyle, DPC Deputy Commissioner, said:
The processing of personal data without an appropriate legal basis constitutes a clear and serious violation of fundamental rights.
Meanwhile, it can be heard from those around LinkedIn that the company is of the opinion that it has complied with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, the platform still wants to work to ensure that its advertising practices meet the demands of the DPC by the end of the set deadline.
The Irish Data Protection Authority’s proceedings were again preceded by an investigation based on a Complaint the French digital civil rights organization La Quadrature du Net from 2018 based. Even back then, LinkedIn was criticized for its practices.
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The post “Violation of fundamental rights”: LinkedIn is said to have misused user data for advertising by Fabian Peters first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a tech industry expert, I am deeply concerned about the violation of fundamental rights, such as privacy and data protection, that occurs when companies like LinkedIn misuse user data for advertising purposes. This not only erodes trust between users and the platform but also raises serious ethical and legal questions about how tech companies handle and safeguard personal information.
It is imperative that companies prioritize the protection of user data and adhere to strict guidelines and regulations to prevent such violations from occurring. Users should have full control over their personal information and be able to trust that it will not be exploited for profit without their consent.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical practices within the tech industry. Companies must be held accountable for any breaches of fundamental rights and take swift action to rectify the situation and prevent future violations from occurring. It is crucial that we continue to advocate for stronger data protection laws and regulations to ensure that user privacy is respected and upheld in the digital age.
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