LinkedIn faces 310 million euro fine for data violations
EU regulators penalised LinkedIn, urging it to change its data practices.
LinkedIn has been fined 310 million euros by European Union regulators for breaching the bloc’s strict data privacy rules. The penalty targets the Microsoft-owned platform for improperly using personal data to target users with ads.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) issued the fine, criticising LinkedIn for failing to handle user data lawfully, fairly, and transparently. As LinkedIn’s European headquarters is in Dublin, the DPC acts as the platform’s lead privacy regulator across the EU.
The investigation found LinkedIn lacked a lawful basis to collect personal information for advertising, violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Regulators have ordered the company to align its practices with GDPR standards.
LinkedIn maintains it was operating within the rules but confirmed it is adjusting its advertising practices to meet compliance requirements. Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle stressed that processing data without legal grounds undermines the fundamental right to privacy.
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