At the IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress 2024, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) discussed its analysis of LinkedIn's use of legitimate interests for processing personal data, which resulted in a €310 million fine. DPC Commissioner Dale Sunderland stated that LinkedIn used user data from profiles and activity to categorise users based on attributes.
While LinkedIn met the first two legitimate interests assessment (LIA) criteria relating to advertising effectiveness and necessity, it failed the third test. The DPC concluded that LinkedIn's interests did not override the fundamental rights of users, as the company's practices could lead to inappropriate targeting or exclusion based on inferred data like gender or age.
Sunderland stressed the need for robust LIA's to ensure that legitimate interests align with individuals' rights and freedoms.
The DPC plans to publish the full decision shortly.
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