LinkedIn is facing questions after a European digital rights group alleged that the platform is scanning users’ browsers without their consent.
The claims come from Fairlinked e.V., which carried out an investigation under a campaign it calls “BrowserGate”.
LinkedIn scanning users browsers
According to the group, LinkedIn uses hidden code that runs when users open the site on certain browsers.
The code checks the installed browser extensions by accessing publicly available files linked to those add-ons.
The process reportedly happens within milliseconds and does not show any visible signs to users.
The report also claimed that the system can identify thousands of extensions, with internal references to more than 6,000 possible add-ons.
The report claims the scanning mainly affects users on browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera and Arc.
It says users of Firefox and Safari are not affected.
Privacy concerns raised
This major privacy issue has raised questions about whether our data is even safe anymore.
The investigation report by the concerned department has raised quite alarming questions about the illegal access of other websites into our personal space.
The investigation said that this could allow the platform to build a picture of users’ behaviour, including job searches, workplace tools, or interests based on installed extensions.
The report also suggests that, when combined, such data could reveal patterns about the digital tools used within organisations.
The investigation further alleges that other background scripts may load alongside LinkedIn pages, including tools linked to HUMAN Security and some Google services.
These systems are said to place tracking cookies and send encrypted data during normal browsing activity.
LinkedIn has not publicly confirmed or responded to the allegations.
If verified, the claims could lead to wider scrutiny of how large online platforms collect and use user data, particularly where it may not be clearly visible to users.
Also read: SSC exams to be held on new date in Karachi
