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I verified my LinkedIn identity. Here's what I handed over

I Verified My LinkedIn Identity. Here's What I Actually Handed Over.

thelocalstack.eu

February 21, 2026

11 min read

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79/100

Summary

LinkedIn identity verification requires users to scan their passport and take a selfie to obtain a blue checkmark indicating authenticity. Users often overlook the privacy policy and terms of service associated with this verification process.

Key Takeaways

To verify identity on LinkedIn, users are redirected to Persona Identities, Inc., which collects extensive personal data including biometric information and geolocation.
Persona uses uploaded identity documents to train their AI systems, claiming a legal basis of "legitimate interest" rather than user consent under GDPR.
Data shared with LinkedIn includes the user's full name, birth year, and a blurred version of their ID, while also being accessible to Persona's service providers and third-party data partners.

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Coverage & discussions

Hacker News · thelocalstack.eu

I verified my LinkedIn identity. Here's what I handed over ↗

Community discussions

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Analysis ready

Community Sentiment

Mixed

Positives

Persona's CEO clarified that no personal data is used for AI model training, ensuring user privacy and trust in the verification process.
The immediate deletion of biometric data after processing demonstrates a commitment to user privacy and security.

Concerns

Concerns about data leaks and the potential sale of personal information raise significant trust issues regarding LinkedIn's data handling practices.
The limited access to personal data exports after verification suggests a lack of transparency and control for users over their own information.
There are doubts about Persona's ability to safeguard sensitive personal information, which could undermine user confidence in their services.