Glassdoor, a platform known for hosting anonymous employer reviews, is under fire for adding real names to user profiles without obtaining explicit consent. The controversial move has sparked user privacy concerns and raised questions about data protection policies.
The issue gained traction when a Glassdoor user named Monica, identified as a Midwest-based software professional, as reported by Ars Technica, discovered her real name had been added to her profile without her approval.
Despite repeated requests for removal, Glassdoor’s support team proceeded with the addition, leading her to delete her account.
Glassdoor acquired Fishbowl, a professional networking app. As a result, Glassdoor users were automatically signed up for a Fishbowl account. As part of this integration, Glassdoor now requires users to be verified, raising concerns about data privacy and the ability to remain anonymous while sharing reviews.
“Since we require all users to have their names on their profiles, we will need to update your profile to reflect this,” wrote one Glassdoor employee. “Your anonymity will still be protected.”
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital advocacy group, voiced concerns about the potential risks of users being linked to their reviews in case of data breaches.
“While users can remain anonymous, this change raises some potential concerns about data privacy and anonymity,” says Aaron Mackey, a lawyer from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Aaron further highlights the potential risks of users being linked to their reviews if Glassdoor’s data is ever subpoenaed or breached.
Monica’s experience reflects a broader issue of user consent and data protection. Despite Glassdoor’s assertion that users can choose to remain anonymous, the automatic addition of real names to profiles has sparked backlash and calls for greater transparency and control over personal information.
Glassdoor’s spokesperson defended the platform’s commitment to user privacy and anonymous free speech, citing past efforts to protect user’s anonymity in legal battles.
“When a user provides information, either during the sign-up process or by uploading a resume, that information will automatically cross-populate between all Glassdoor services, including our community app Fishbowl,” said the spokesperson. “When using Glassdoor and Fishbowl, there is always the option to remain anonymous. Users can choose to be fully anonymous or reveal elements of their identity, like company name or job title, while using our community service.”
Another issue with the Glassdoor-Fishbowl integration that users noticed is that Glassdoor automatically populates user information that it deems to be incorrect leading to a mix of irrelevant and wrong information.
“The fact that there’s no clear separation between the data and users on Fishbowl and Glassdoor just seems problematic,” said Mackey, a lawyer of EFF.
As the company fights back hard to regain users’ trust, one point seems to be the basis of the argument behind the situation: is our data truly personal or is at the mercy of the platforms?
In the News: Apex Legends tournament postponed after hacking attempts
