LinkedIn Privacy Concerns: Browser Extension Scanning Exposed

What I found

I saw a news story about LinkedIn looking at my browser tools. The site uses a script to find over 6,000 different app IDs on your device. My browser sends a reply that tells them everyone of the apps I use. This check happens quietly while you look at your feed.

How it works

I see that the code asks for one small file from each add-on. If that file is there, the script says “yes” to LinkedIn. You will never see a pop-up or a box asking for your permission. I think this is just like a stranger looking into my car window.

What else they grab

Tests show that the site also takes your screen size and your battery level. I think it is very strange that they want to know how much RAM you have. This amount of data makes a fingerprint that is unique to you. Websites use this special ID to track your movements on the web.

Why it matters

I know that my profile has my real name and my boss’s name. Your information is not a secret because it links to your actual life. If I have a job hunt tool, they might see it and know I want to leave. This kind of spying feels wrong for a site about work.

LinkedIn’s excuse

The company says this helps them stop bad bots from hurting you. I found that many smart people think this is too much power for them. You do not have an off switch to stop this from happening. The script stays hidden in the code so less people notice it.

What you can do

I want you to look at your settings to see which tools are visible. Try and use a privacy browser to keep your data safe. You can use a different browser just for your job search stuff. I think keeping your tools private is a great plan for your safety.

Bottom line

I still use the site for my job, but I watch my back now. You should think about how much you want them to see.