After the recent round of layoffs and even closing down its China app, InCareer, Microsoft’s employment-focused social network platform, is back in the headlines again. Last week, Microsoft revealed that it might incur a $425 million fine over alleged privacy violations by LinkedIn.
In 2018, the Irish Data Protection Commission (IDPC) initiated an investigation to determine whether LinkedIn has been violating European data protection law regarding its targeted advertising practices.
There’s very little to go on about, but it’s definitely centered around LinkedIn’s targeted advertising practices. Microsoft further indicated that it was informed about the commission’s preliminary decision in April, though the company highlighted that it’ll dispute the fine once the final verdict is given.
Reuters reached out to IDPC for more insight on the matter, but they are yet to give an official statement, Microsoft on the other hand indicated that:
After review and analysis, the company would increase its existing reserve for the matter and, based on current exchange rates take a charge of approximately $425 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023.
We’ll keep an eye on the story as it develops and keep you updated on the same. Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
via Reuters
