LinkedIn has been fined €310 million (around $335 million) by the European Union, following an investigation by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts as LinkedIn's primary privacy regulator within the EU. This penalty addresses concerns around the “lawfulness, fairness, and transparency” of LinkedIn’s personal data processing practices, especially concerning its targeted advertising strategies.
The DPC investigation found that LinkedIn processed users' personal data for targeted advertising without a valid legal basis, thereby violating the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle stressed that processing personal data without a proper legal basis constitutes a “serious violation” of EU privacy rights. In addition to the fine, the commission has mandated LinkedIn to ensure its data handling aligns with GDPR standards.
In response, LinkedIn stated it believes its practices have been compliant but affirmed its commitment to refining its advertising methods to meet EU standards.
On a separate note, LinkedIn’s annual *Top Startups India List for 2024* has again ranked Zepto, a quick commerce platform, as the leading startup in India. This list spotlights emerging companies that are attracting significant professional interest, with rankings based on employment growth, user engagement, job interest, and ability to attract talent, using insights from over a billion LinkedIn members worldwide.
