I received the following message over the weekend from LinkedIn friend David Quinn that you definitely need to read:
I really like LinkedIn, but as a person concerned about privacy and social networks, I believe that I have to point out a change to you.
Without attracting too much publicity, LinkedIn has updated their privacy conditions and has now granted itself permission to use YOUR NAME AND PICTURE in any of their advertisements. Yes: Your name + your picture = A LinkedIn ad.
Some simple actions to be considered by you:
1. Place the cursor on your name at the top right corner of the screen. From the small
pull down menu that appears, select “Settings”2. Then click “Account” on the left side of the bottom of the screen
3. In the column next to Account, select the option “Manage Social Advertising”
4. Finally uncheck the box “LinkedIn may use my name and photo in social advertising” and hit “Save.”
5. Then select the option “Manage Partner Advertising,” uncheck that box as well and hit “Save.”
Looking for a way to inform your connections? Simple: Via Inbox>Compose message in Linkedin, you can send a message to 50 connections at once.
I took a look, and I was opted in:
I dig LinkedIn, but LinkedIn should communicate with its users and let them know they can opt-out. It’s the responsible thing to do.
Oh, if you want to opt out of Facebook’s social advertising, click here.
That’s my take. What’s yours?
Great Post Patrick- thanks for letting us know! I had no idea this had happened! You are absolutely correct- Linkedin should have definitely let their users know about this.
Got me thinking about “Permissions based marketing” and inspired me to post my own response with my list of email marketing mantras… http://runspammers.blogspot.com/2012/02/permissions-based-marketing.html
Great job – love this blog.
Thanks-
Stephanie
Having watched how Facebook does this, I would not object to my name and picture being used as long as it’s for something I actually support (such as something where I’ve clicked Like). I remember a couple of years ago when Mari Smith’s picture was looking at me every time I went to Facebook, with the caption, “Mari Smith is a fan of…”–and wondering, how do I get some of that exposure?
But yes, both networks should ask first.
I think that they assume that since this information is already public (depending on your privacy settings) that they can use this information. I agree that they should inform you of how they are using your information as act of courtesy.
Nice article, Stephanie.
Nice post Patrick. I just stumbled upon this blog and I’ve seen that you’ve got point with the need for permission based marketing. I am using Facebook for my advertising and I bet I prefer Facebook than LinkedIn though… I can get more control in Facebook.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!