LinkedIn ID verification partner Persona under fire for security concerns

Social Media Today

by Andrew Hutchinson

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

LinkedIn’s ID verification partner, Persona, has faced criticism for potential security concerns regarding how it handles user data. A researcher discovered that Persona collects extensive personal information, including facial geometry, NFC chip data, and geolocation details, from users verifying their IDs on LinkedIn. This data is then shared with 17 third-party subprocessors, raising questions about its use and security. According to the report, when a user uploaded an ID document to Persona for verification, the platform accessed additional data points beyond basic identification. These included biometric information, IP addresses, and consumer credit agency records. While Persona’s CEO refuted claims that the company uses this data for AI training or shares it with unauthorized third parties, he acknowledged that subprocessor access is tied to specific customer-selected products, not all partners. The findings have already led LinkedIn competitor Discord to halt its trial of Persona as an ID verification partner. Other companies using Persona are now demanding clearer explanations about data handling practices. With 100 million LinkedIn users potentially affected, the implications for data exposure are significant. For marketers, this highlights the importance of transparency and trust in third-party partnerships. Companies must carefully vet service providers to protect user data and maintain credibility. The incident underscores the growing need for stringent data security measures to avoid reputational damage and customer loss.

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Originally published on Social Media Today on 2/25/2026