LinkedIn in the sights of the Irish regulator. The professional social network has just been fined a record 310 million euros for violating the GDPR, the European data protection regulation. A sanction which follows an investigation by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) into the platform’s advertising practices. A look back at a decision that could set a precedent.
LinkedIn sanctioned for its advertising targeting practices
This is a new warning shot for the tech giants. The Irish DPC, which supervises LinkedIn in Europe, announced on Monday that it had imposed a fine of 310 million euros on the social network for non-compliance with the GDPR.
The investigation, opened in 2018 following a complaint from the French association La Quadrature du Net, revealed that LinkedIn processed the personal data of its users for the purposes of targeted advertising and behavioral analysis without a valid legal basis. Neither user consent, nor the legitimate interest of the company, nor contractual necessity have been deemed sufficient to justify this processing.
A strong signal from the Irish regulator
Beyond the fine, which is the highest ever imposed by the DPC, it is a real snub for LinkedIn. The regulator considered that the network’s practices were “clearly and seriously contrary” to the fundamental right of individuals to the protection of their data.
This decision marks a turning point for the Irish DPC, often criticized for its laxity towards the Silicon Valley behemoths established on its soil. After the 405 million euros inflicted on Instagram in September 2022, it confirms its desire to strengthen its action and enforce the GDPR.
A warning that should give pause to all digital players who monetize our data, sometimes without our informed consent. Because beyond LinkedIn, an entire economic model is called into question by this historic decision.
The Microsoft-owned social network announced that it would appeal the decision.
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