Attention, LinkedIn aficionados! The professional networking giant is making big moves to fortify user authenticity. Initially introduced in April in tandem with identity platform CLEAR, LinkedIn enabled users to validate their identities using Government-issued IDs, rewarding them with a trust-enhancing verification badge.
Unlike some platforms which either manage or bypass verifications, LinkedIn leverages third-party agencies for this pivotal task. And, the venture has grown! From exclusively catering to U.S. members, the verification sphere now embraces users from Canada and Mexico. Eager to reach even more geographies, LinkedIn has announced collaborations with Microsoft Entra, Digilocker, and others. This strategic move aims to bridge ties with regional entities that specialize in ID validation.
However, this partnership model does pose challenges. Local partners will inevitably seek compensation for their services, potentially hindering the initiative's global reach. But the advantages are glaringly evident: bolstered credibility on the app. LinkedIn data reveals verified profiles witness a whopping 60% surge in profile views, a 50% increase in post interactions, and a 30% rise in direct messages.
Such tangible benefits underscore the value of this added layer of authenticity. Moreover, LinkedIn's ambitious vision doesn't stop here. The platform aims to embed verification within specific job listings, offering enhanced assurance. The grand goal? To motivate every member to verify at least one professional attribute, targeting a staggering 100 million user verifications by 2025.
This zero-cost, third-party collaborated approach might just be the golden ticket to combat bot infiltration more efficiently than other prevailing methods. And as AI evolves, making bot profiles increasingly indistinguishable, LinkedIn's proactive steps could be the blueprint for ensuring platform trustworthiness in the digital age.
