LinkedIn Accused of Secret Browser Scanning to Suppress Competition
A report alleges that LinkedIn uses hidden JavaScript to scan users’ browsers for installed extensions, particularly those that compete with its own sales tools, and uses this data to pressure users to switch to LinkedIn’s products. While the company confirms it scans for extensions, it claims this is done to prevent violations of its terms of service and to protect user privacy, refuting the accusations as a smear campaign by a developer who lost a German court case. The report, published by Fairlinked e.V., claims LinkedIn harvests corporate information and customer lists without user knowledge, a practice confirmed by independent testing which also revealed the collection of extensive browser and device data.
John Q. Hosedrinker