A leading data protection group has filed a legal complaint against LinkedIn in Austria, accusing the platform of failing to properly provide users access to their personal data. The complaint was submitted by Noyb, short for “None of Your Business,” to the Austrian Data Protection Authority on behalf of a user seeking full access to his data held by the platform.
According to the group, the user is demanding a “full response to his access request,” while also calling for regulators to impose a fine on LinkedIn. Noyb claims that LinkedIn, which is owned by Microsoft, has refused to fully comply with such requests, citing data protection concerns.
At the same time, the group argues that the company monetises user data by encouraging subscriptions. “People have the right to receive their own data free of charge,” said Noyb lawyer Martin Baumann.
Profile Tracking Concerns
The organisation also questioned LinkedIn’s handling of profile tracking, noting that users can only see who viewed their profiles if they subscribe to premium services. “It is unclear whether the tracking of visitors is legal, as the company does not ask for active consent,” Noyb said.
GDPR Compliance at Stake
The complaint highlights broader concerns around compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation, which guarantees users the right to access their personal data and control how it is used. Since its introduction in 2018, GDPR has significantly reshaped how companies handle user information across Europe.
Noyb has been at the forefront of enforcing these rules, launching hundreds of legal challenges against major technology firms, often leading to regulatory investigations and penalties. The outcome of the complaint could determine whether LinkedIn’s current practices around data access and user tracking meet European legal standards.
