LinkedIn sued for spying on Apple users using device apps

Developers, testers of Apple’s most recent mobile operating system found LinkedIn’s application was secretly reading users’ data

‘LinkedIn has not only been spying on its users, it has been spying on their nearby computers and other devices,’ the lawsuit claims

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Published: 1:15pm, 11 Jul 2020Updated: 1:15pm, 11 Jul 2020

Microsoft’s LinkedIn programmed its iPhone and iPad applications to divert sensitive information without users’ knowledge, according to a class-action lawsuit.

The apps use Apple’s Universal Clipboard to read and siphon the data, and can draw information from other Apple devices, according to the complaint filed Friday in San Francisco federal court.

The privacy violations were exposed by Apple and independent program developers, the suit said.

Developers and testers of Apple’s most recent mobile operating system, iOS 14, found LinkedIn’s application was secretly reading users’ clipboards “a lot,” according to the complaint. “Constantly, even.”

Logos for social media applications LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are displayed on a smartphone. Photo: AFP

Apple’s clipboard often contains sensitive information users cut or copy to paste, including photos, texts, emails or medical records.

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