Credit: Unsplash
LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, has verified more than 55 million users for free to build trust and curb misinformation fueled by artificial intelligence, the company shared today. With an ambitious goal of reaching 100 million verified users by 2025, LinkedIn leads the industry in verified identities, making it a frontrunner in online trust and authenticity.
Verification badges will be introduced to users in their main LinkedIn feeds starting this November, adding a new layer of security for members interacting on the platform. “AI has made it easier to create and spread fake content, which blurs the line between what’s real and fabricated,” explained Oscar Rodriguez, LinkedIn’s Vice President of Trust and Safety. “This step is essential to ensure users can trust the information and profiles they see.”
Free Verification with a Two-Pronged Approach
LinkedIn’s verification process leverages two methods. Employees at select large companies receive LinkedIn verification via corporate emails, while other users can authenticate their profiles by submitting government-issued IDs through trusted partners such as Clear and Persona, and for users in India, DigiLocker. This process is entirely free to users, setting LinkedIn apart from other social platforms charging for similar services.
LinkedIn’s verification initiative has already proven valuable for its members, with verified profiles showing 60% more profile views, 30% more connection requests, and 50% more engagement on posts. By using verification as a trust indicator, LinkedIn is helping professionals build genuine, credible networks.
Tackling Fake Accounts and Misinformation
The need for verification has intensified with the rise of generative AI, which has enabled the creation of realistic fake profiles. LinkedIn is already removing 99% of these fraudulent accounts before users encounter them. Moving forward, LinkedIn aims to use verification not only for individual profiles but also to authenticate job listings and company pages.
The introduction of verification is an investment in the safety and growth of LinkedIn’s professional community. “Verification is critical in today’s AI-driven environment,” added Rodriguez. “This initiative is about building a trusted community where people can safely make connections and progress their careers.”
With over a billion members worldwide, LinkedIn continues to push for authenticity and transparency, providing users with tools to confidently interact in a professional online space.
