Your LinkedIn activity may not be as confidential as you believe.

      A recent report states that it examines over 6,000 Chrome extensions.

      LinkedIn might not just be offering job listings and connection requests. If the new reports are accurate, it’s also subtly exploring your browser configuration.

      According to a new investigation, there are significant privacy issues, claiming the platform is scanning thousands of Chrome extensions and gathering device-level data without users’ knowledge. It's as unsettling as it sounds.

      LinkedIn may be monitoring thousands of your browser extensions.

      The BrowserGate report indicates that LinkedIn allegedly introduces hidden JavaScript into its site that scans users' browsers for installed extensions, totaling over 6,000. The process is surprisingly straightforward (and somewhat underhanded). The script looks for known extension IDs by trying to access specific files associated with those extensions. If a file responds, it indicates that the extension is installed—all occurring silently in the background without any visible notification.

      LinkedIn collecting data on visitors' devices, according to BleepingComputer.

      Moreover, independent testing by BleepingComputer has confirmed that the platform is also accumulating detailed device information, including CPU specifications, memory, screen resolution, language settings, and even battery status, effectively creating a unique "fingerprint" of your device. The concerning aspect is that since LinkedIn profiles are linked to real identities such as names, jobs, and companies, this data could potentially be traced back to you, making it significantly more sensitive than typical anonymous tracking.

      Why is this cause for alarm?

      The main issue isn’t just the data collection itself, but rather the stealthy manner in which it occurs. Users are not adequately informed, and there is no clear consent given before scanning takes place. Additionally, the data collected can reveal sensitive information such as job searching, financial situations, or personal interests, making this tracking far more invasive than it initially appears.

      LinkedIn claims it is for security purposes, but critics believe it crosses a line. It leads to questions about how private your "professional" life is online.

      Varun is an experienced technology journalist and editor with more than eight years in consumer tech media. His coverage includes...

      Hoping AI can improve your dating life? This actor’s experience suggests otherwise.

      This actor turned to AI for assistance in dating and received a reality check instead.

      If you are hoping that AI can enhance your dating experience, Rhik Samadder’s latest endeavor could serve as the reality check you need. In a recent first-person article, Samadder opted to let AI manage his romantic life as part of a larger six-week experiment. He entrusted AI chatbots with aspects of his daily routine, including crafting his dating profile, assisting with messages, selecting outfits, and providing conversation starters during real dates. The outcome was less of a romantic breakthrough and more akin to a social disaster.

      If TikTok doomscrolling wasn't already enough of a challenge, it now includes a hidden emoji game in DMs.

      As if endless scrolling wasn’t damaging enough, TikTok has now stealthily implemented an emoji game within DMs. This mini-game is currently active and functions in both one-on-one messages and group chats. This means the app now possesses another trick to keep users engaged, even when they may be finished watching videos.

      How to update your outdated Gmail username?

      I understand that your Gmail username from a decade ago probably seemed appropriate at the time. Back then, the internet landscape was quite different, making it seem insignificant to choose a quirky, silly, or random email ID. However, sharing that old username can now feel awkward. When asked why you continue to use it, your response may evoke cringe or regret.

      The good news is that you no longer have to stick with it. Gmail now allows you to modify your old username and select something new that aligns with the more professional, mature, or simply cooler version of yourself that you have become.