LinkedIn’s private mode allows users to browse the platform anonymously without notifying their connections of their activity. However, there are concerns over how private this mode really is. In this article, we’ll examine what private browsing does on LinkedIn, its limitations, and steps you can take to increase privacy.
What Does LinkedIn’s Private Mode Do?
When you enable private mode in the LinkedIn mobile app or website, your name and photo won’t show up to others when you view profiles or content. You also won’t appear as a profile viewer to connections when looking at their pages. Essentially, private browsing aims to make your browsing invisible to other users.
Additionally, your private mode activity isn’t recorded in your browsing history or search history. LinkedIn states this prevents others who use your computer or devices from seeing what you were viewing in private mode.
Limitations of Private Mode
Despite the above benefits, private mode still has some flaws when it comes to privacy:
LinkedIn Still Collects Your Data
Although your activity isn’t visible to other users, LinkedIn still logs and collects the data on their end. According to their privacy policy, they may collect your browsing history, search history, and other activity for purposes like advertising, analytics, and customizing your experience on the platform.
IP Address Remains Visible
Your IP address can still be seen by LinkedIn while in private mode. An IP address reveals your approximate geographic location and internet service provider. While not personally identifiable, it provides some insight into who is visiting the site.
Cookies and Cache aren’t Deleted
Private mode doesn’t delete cookies or clear cache that could save details about your browsing. So any LinkedIn cookies will remain stored in your browser. Your LinkedIn username also isn’t changed in private mode.
HTTPS Encryption has Limitations
LinkedIn uses HTTPS encryption to protect data in transit between your device and their servers. However, this still exposes the LinkedIn domain name you’re communicating with, allowing someone on the same network to see you’re interacting with LinkedIn.
How Private is Private Mode for Advertisers?
One big concern is how advertisers can still target you in private mode based on your profile data:
- Advertisers can upload contact lists with usernames to target specific people.
- Advertising profiles can be built about you based on your public profile info like job role, affiliations, interests.
- Previous non-private browsing and activity helps serve relevant ads.
- Location derived from IP address informs targeting.
So you’ll still see customized ads aligned to your profile and interests while browsing privately. Disabling ad personalization in your LinkedIn account settings is the only way to fully opt-out.
Is LinkedIn Reading Your Private Messages?
This is a major question around privacy. According to LinkedIn’s policies, they do not read or access the content of private messages except in very limited circumstances to investigate illegal activity or Terms of Service violations on the platform. However, some key points on how private messages work:
- Metadata like sender, recipient, timestamps are viewable by LinkedIn.
- Messages are encrypted in transit but not at rest in LinkedIn’s databases.
- Law enforcement agencies can request private message data with a subpoena.
- LinkedIn’s system may automatically scan messages for spam detection but this does not involve humans reading message content.
- LinkedIn can access private messages if legally obligated to do so.
So in summary, LinkedIn claims they avoid accessing the content of private conversations between users, but metadata and encrypted messages are within their visibility to enable features and investigate issues. However, valid legal authorities can still gain access with proper procedures in place.
How to Enhance Your Privacy on LinkedIn
If you want more privacy when using LinkedIn, here are some steps to consider:
Use Private Mode Browsing More
Take advantage of private mode whenever you want to research people or companies without leaving a footprint. Just keep its limitations in mind and clear cookies after each session.
Review Profile and Ad Settings
Disable ad personalization and tailor the information shown on your public profile like your title, contacts, interests, etc. Restrict data that advertising engines can use to target you.
Be Wary of Public Posts and Comments
Remember anything you post publicly or comment on can be seen by others and potentially used to build profiles on you. Consider only posting content you’re comfortable being widely viewable.
Limit Integration With Other Tools
Be selective in allowing integration with other tools like calendar, email, contacts to limit exposure of your data. LinkedIn can collect more information when you authorize these types of integrations.
Browse Anonymously Outside LinkedIn
For maximum privacy, search for people or companies to research outside of LinkedIn using an incognito browser. This prevents exposing your activity and IP address to LinkedIn’s systems.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security when logging in by requiring an additional one-time code from your phone. This prevents unauthorized logins even if your password is compromised.
Watch For Suspicious Activity
Routinely check your LinkedIn privacy settings, login locations, and recent activity to ensure nothing looks amiss. Report any suspicious behavior you notice for investigation.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn’s private mode provides some level of anonymity and hides your browsing from other users, it falls short of being completely private. LinkedIn still collects data on your activity even in private mode for advertising, analytics, and customization of the platform. Furthermore, private mode still exposes information like your IP address and doesn’t clear cookies or cache from your browser.
If you require stronger privacy when researching people or companies, your best option is to browse anonymously outside of LinkedIn entirely. But keep in mind advertisers can still target you based on your public profile details. Two-factor authentication, reviewing your settings, and limiting integrations can also help boost privacy and security on LinkedIn.
In summary, treat LinkedIn’s private browsing mode as a basic privacy tool to hide your browsing footprint from others, but not a bulletproof solution to browse the platform anonymously.
What it Does | Limitations |
---|---|
|
|
Action | Benefit |
---|---|
Use private mode more frequently | Limits visibility of your browsing to others |
Review profile and ad settings | Customizes what info advertisers can target |
Post and comment selectively | Reduces public info that builds profiles on you |
Limit integrations | Minimizes data exposure to LinkedIn |
Browse anonymously externally | Avoids exposing your activity to LinkedIn |
Enable two-factor authentication | Adds extra security to account login |
Watch for suspicious activity | Detects potential privacy or security issues |