LINKEDIN SCANS 6,278 BROWSER EXTENSIONS

Security researchers discovered that LinkedIn identifies 6,278 different browser extensions on user devices and includes encrypted extension data in HTTP requests. The company collects information about which extensions are installed, potentially revealing user behavior, productivity tools, and security software. LinkedIn encrypts this data but still transmits it with every request, making it difficult for users to detect or opt out of the scanning. The practice raises privacy concerns, as extension data can infer sensitive information about browsing habits and security measures. The discovery sparked discussion on Hacker News, with 121 points and 32 comments. Users questioned whether LinkedIn discloses this data collection in its privacy policy and whether it shares the information with third parties. LinkedIn has not publicly commented on the findings. The practice highlights how major platforms collect detailed information about user device configurations beyond their primary services.