Is LinkedIn's Terms of Service safe?

Top concerning points

1. 1.

   Tracking pixels are used in service-to-user communication

   bad

   High

   The service tracks the user count or some actions of the user; this is usually used for statistics. For example, emails sent by a service can contain a pixel tag, which is a small, clear image that can tell them whether or not you have opened an email and what your IP address is.

   Source quote / document
2. 2.

   This service receives your precise location through GPS coordinates

   bad

   High

   Unless the service relies on Geo Location, this case is to be assigned to points that don't need your GPS coordinates to function properly.

3. 3.

   You must provide your legal name, pseudonyms are not allowed

   bad

   High

   You must provide your legal name and pseudonyms aren't allowed. This case doesn't apply to Services for which transparency regarding users identities is relevant for their purposes.

4. 4.

   Instead of asking directly, this Service will assume your consent to changes of terms merely from your usage

   bad

   High

   The Service infers your acceptance from your continued usage, instead of prompting you to read the new Terms and asking for direct consent. This doesn’t apply to services that have no way to seek consent from users through their contact details or an account.

Frequently asked questions

What is LinkedIn's ToS;DR privacy grade?

ToS;DR rates LinkedIn as Grade C. Grades range from A (best) to E (worst). See the full breakdown on ToS;DR.

Is LinkedIn's Terms of Service safe?

ToS;DR's Grade C means there are notable concerns. Review the flagged points below before relying on LinkedIn with sensitive data.

What is a top concern in LinkedIn's terms?

Tracking pixels are used in service-to-user communication — The service tracks the user count or some actions of the user; this is usually used for statistics. For example, emails sent by a service can contain a pixel tag, which is a small, clear image that can tell them whether or not you have opened an email and what your IP address is. (Source: ToS;DR approved point).

Where can I read LinkedIn's official terms?

ToS;DR tracks "User Agreement" at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/user-agreement. Always prefer the official document over summaries.