The fine follows a complaint initially filed by the French Data Protection Authority. The DPC’s decision includes a reprimand, a directive for LinkedIn to align its data processing practices with regulations, and administrative penalties totalling €310 million.
The Investigation focused on LinkedIn’s processing of personal data for behavioural analysis and targeted advertising of users with LinkedIn profiles. The decision, made by Commissioners Dr. Des Hogan and Dale Sunderland, was formally communicated to LinkedIn on Tuesday. It addresses concerns around the legality, fairness, and transparency of these practices.
In July 2024, the DPC submitted its draft decision to the GDPR cooperation mechanism, as required under Article 60 of the GDPR. No objections were raised by other EU/EEA supervisory authorities, and the DPC acknowledged their cooperation in the case.
LinkedIn has responded, stating that while it believes it has complied with GDPR, it is taking steps to meet the commission’s requirements by the specified deadline.