LinkedIn rolls out member vouching and company controls to curb fake accounts
LinkedIn announced new tools to help members vouch for each other's work experience and give companies control over accounts that falsely claim employment. The features include requiring vouchers to have verified profiles and two-factor authentication. This comes as AI makes it easier to create fake identities online.
The vouching feature requires the voucher to have a verified profile, a connection of at least one year, and two-factor authentication. It differs from endorsements by confirming only the fact and duration of collaboration, not its quality. These safeguards help prevent hacked accounts from issuing false vouches.
Companies can now manually remove profiles falsely claiming employment, which severs the link to the company page and removes the verified status. LinkedIn is also testing a requirement for future associations to pass workplace verification, like via work email. Partnerships with Truecaller and PeerSpot will let members display their LinkedIn-verified identity in external settings, such as phone calls.
These tools could significantly reduce resume fraud and impersonation on professional networks, potentially restoring trust among recruiters and hiring managers. However, they may also create new barriers for legitimate users who lack long-standing connections or corporate email addresses, possibly excluding freelancers and contractors. The reliance on vouchers and company verification could shift the burden of proof onto individuals, but may also empower companies to better protect their brand reputation.