Networkin
g site LinkedIn says it will alter an advertising technique, following criticism and questions in the Netherlands about whether it violated privacy laws. LinkedIn has been testing "social ads" since June. Some attach users' photos to ads for services they have shown an interest in, then broadcast them to other members of their networks.
LinkedIn's privacy policy reads: "If you share your interactions on LinkedIn, for example, when you recommend a product, follow a company, establish or update your profile, join a Group, etc., LinkedIn may use these actions to create social ads for your network on LinkedIn using your profile photo and name."Dutch lawmaker Jeroen Recourt asked the justice minister this week to investigate whether it is legal in the Netherlands.
The company said on its website Friday that reaction from users was "loud and clear" and it will stop using user photos in ads.
The Dutch are the heaviest users of LinkedIn per capita, though there are more United States users in absolute terms.
