I verified my LinkedIn identity. Here's what I handed over (thelocalstack.eu)

Article summary

The article discusses the author's experience of verifying their identity on LinkedIn through a company called Persona, which required them to provide sensitive information such as their passport and facial geometry. The author found that Persona's privacy policy and terms of service allowed for the collection and use of this data in ways that raised concerns about privacy and security. The data is stored in the US and subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US law enforcement to access it. The author recommends that users request their data, request deletion, and contact Persona's Data Protection Officer to object to the use of their documents as AI training data.

Main themes

• privacy and security
• identity verification
• biometric data
• CLOUD Act
• GDPR
• LinkedIn verification process
• data collection and storage

What commenters say

• Some commenters believe that providing sensitive information to verify one's identity on LinkedIn is not worth the potential risks to privacy and security.
• Others think that using a company email address to verify one's identity is a safer alternative, but this option may not be available to all users.
• A few commenters have had negative experiences with LinkedIn's verification process, including being locked out of their accounts or having their accounts flagged for suspicious activity.
• There is a debate about whether LinkedIn's verification process is necessary or effective, with some arguing that it is a form of blackmail and others seeing it as a necessary step to prevent fake accounts.
• Some commenters are concerned about the potential consequences of having their biometric data stored by Persona, including the risk of it being accessed by US law enforcement.
• Others believe that the benefits of having a verified LinkedIn account outweigh the potential risks, particularly for job hunting and professional networking.
• A few commenters have suggested alternative ways to verify one's identity, such as using a local authority-attested affidavit.
• There is a concern that Persona's data collection and storage practices may be in violation of GDPR and other privacy regulations.