LinkedIn is searching your browser extensions (browsergate.eu)

Article summary

LinkedIn is scanning users' browser extensions without their consent, collecting data on installed software and transmitting it to its servers and third-party companies. This practice, known as BrowserGate, is allegedly used for corporate espionage and trade secret theft, and may be in violation of EU law. The data collected includes sensitive information such as religious beliefs, political opinions, and job search activity. LinkedIn's privacy policy does not mention this practice.

Main themes

• Browser extension scanning
• Corporate espionage
• Data privacy
• EU law violation
• Surveillance capitalism

What commenters say

• The scanning of browser extensions is a violation of users' privacy and trust, and is potentially illegal under US federal employment and hiring law.
• The practice is not limited to LinkedIn, but is a broader issue of browser extension fingerprinting that affects many websites and companies.
• Some users do not see the scanning of browser extensions as a significant issue, as long as it leads to more relevant ads, while others are concerned about the potential for manipulation and control.
• The collection of sensitive data, such as religious beliefs and political opinions, is particularly problematic and could be used for nefarious purposes, including psychological profiling and manipulation.
• The issue is not just about ads, but also about the potential use of this data for more sinister purposes, such as identifying individuals for deportation or other forms of targeting.
• Some argue that the problem is not with the technology itself, but with the lack of transparency and consent, and that users should be aware of what data is being collected and how it is being used.
• Others believe that the issue is more complex and nuanced, and that the Cambridge Analytica scandal is not directly comparable to the LinkedIn situation, as LinkedIn already has access to a large amount of user data.
• The discussion highlights the need for greater awareness and regulation of online tracking and data collection, and the importance of protecting users' privacy and autonomy in the digital age.