news.volyx.in

Glassdoor updated my profile to add my real name and location (cellio.dreamwidth.org)

864 points by throwaway_08932 · 885 days ago · 311 comments on HN

Article summary

Glassdoor updated a user's profile to include their real name and location without consent, citing a new requirement for verified identities. The user had created their account over 10 years ago with only an email address and had not given permission for their name to be added. Glassdoor's data policy claims to support user privacy and control over personal data, but the company refused to remove the user's name, offering only the option to delete their account. The incident raises concerns about Glassdoor's handling of user data and potential violations of privacy laws.

Main themes

  • Data privacy
  • User consent
  • Online reviews
  • Company policies
  • Identity verification
  • User control

What commenters say

  • Glassdoor's actions may constitute a violation of user trust and potentially fraudulent behavior by allowing companies to pay for favorable reviews.
  • The practice of paying for review moderation or removal can lead to biased and inaccurate representations of companies on review platforms.
  • Some argue that online reviews are inherently unreliable and can be gamed by companies, making them a poor indicator of a company's true quality.
  • Others believe that review platforms like Glassdoor can be useful tools for making informed decisions, but only if they prioritize transparency and user control over data.
  • The use of fake or paid reviews is a common problem on review platforms, and can be difficult to distinguish from genuine reviews.
  • Some commenters suggest that relying on personal recommendations from trusted sources may be a more effective way to make informed decisions than relying on online reviews.
  • The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in how companies handle user data and online reviews.
  • Glassdoor's policies and actions may be in conflict with their stated commitment to user privacy and data protection.