LinkedIn is all set to make privacy advocates happy very soon. The professional social networking website, under fire these days for being a platform used by stalkers, will soon be introducing a “block” feature that can be used in dire situations. In a post on LinkedIn’s help forum, Paul Rockwell, Head of Trust and Safety at LinkedIn wrote that LinkedIn indeed is working on a block feature that can come in handy to block unwanted users on the website. He acknowledged that there is an ongoing demand for a block feature and LinkedIn is actively looking to introduce it and place control in the hands of the users.
Block feature in the works (Block icon credit: Getty Images)
In the recent past, LinkedIn has come under scrutiny by privacy advocates and users alike for not being able to block out pesky users. GigaOm cites articles like “LinkedIn, the creepiest social network,” and others that mention how annoying being on LinkedIn can become for female professionals. Some talk about stalkers and creeps using the mail tool offered by the website to hit on them. Buzzfeed reported an appalling case back in June. A 24-year-old professional, Anna R. spoke about how her boss would stalk her on LinkedIn. When she requested the site to help her out by making an exception for a case like hers, she was told the only way to do so was by using a court order. Anna went on to start a petition on Change.org and collected 5,000 signatures, some from victims of stalking on LinkedIn. While websites like Facebook and Twitter have very clear options to block other users, they are casual websites. LinkedIn being a network for professionals probably didn’t see the need for such a button. But stalking does happen. The bigger problem here is most users offer up real details on their profiles and this means no aliases for names. Stalkers know that what they see is true, which poses a unique danger to the victims. While the feature is still being worked upon by LinkedIn, Rockwell has listed out other options that users have in the absence of the block button. You can tinker with your privacy settings to disconnect from any existing connection you may have, customise your public profile, control your activity broadcasts and photo visibility till you can completely block a stalker. Rockwell added, “We're very happy that the vast majority of LinkedIn members adhere to our User Agreement, Community Guidelines, and Privacy Policy, but should you encounter inappropriate behavior that needs our attention, I would ask that you flag/report it.”
ReadMore:Android Games
No comments:
Post a Comment