Microsoft is running one of the largest corporate espionage operations in modern history. Every time any of LinkedIn’s one billion users visits linkedin.com, hidden code searches their computer for installed software, collects the results, and transmits them to LinkedIn’s servers and to third-party companies including an American-Israeli cybersecurity firm.
The user is never asked. Never told. LinkedIn’s privacy policy does not mention it.
Because LinkedIn knows each user’s real name, employer, and job title, it is not searching anonymous visitors. It is searching identified people at identified companies. Millions of companies. Every day. All over the world.
That is the best way to use LinkedIn. A buddy of mine does well in his industry and has been recruited multiple times via LinkedIn. I’ve used it to find a couple of jobs over the years and it’s pretty good for that too.
Engaging it as a social media site is where it really turns sour.