LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that enables individuals to create and maintain a digital profile, build a network of professional connections, and engage with career-related content. Founded in 2002 by Reid Hoffman and colleagues, LinkedIn launched in 2003 as a site for professional networking and recruitment. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company grew into a global network with hundreds of millions of members. In 2016, LinkedIn was acquired by Microsoft for about $26 billion and operates as a subsidiary.

Users create profiles summarizing work experience, education, and skills; networks are built through connections; endorsements and recommendations validate abilities; the platform features a News Feed with professional updates, messaging, and InMail for non-connections; job postings and recruiting tools enable employers to identify candidates; the site also offers Company Pages, Groups, and LinkedIn Learning for courses; premium tiers provide expanded search and outreach features and access to targeted advertising.

LinkedIn's user base includes job seekers, recruiters, sales professionals, marketers, and businesses. It is widely used for recruiting and employer branding, professional development, and sales outreach. The platform integrates with Microsoft tools such as Office 365 and Teams and supports data-driven recruitment and advertising campaigns.

Data use: LinkedIn collects profile, activity, and engagement data to tailor content and ads; users can set privacy controls; the platform has faced scrutiny over issues such as profile authenticity and data privacy; LinkedIn maintains policies to combat fake accounts and misuse.