Glassdoor Faces Backlash for Adding Real Names to User Profiles Without Consent

Glassdoor Faces Backlash for Adding Real Names to User Profiles Without Consent

Glassdoor, a popular platform for employees to leave anonymous reviews of employers, is facing backlash after users discovered that their real names were being added to their profiles without their consent. One user, Monica, was shocked to find her real name displayed on her profile last week.

Monica, a Midwest-based software professional, had been using Glassdoor for about 10 years to leave reviews for her employers and help others survey their job options. However, when she contacted Glassdoor support to request help removing information from her account, she was surprised to find that her real name was added to her profile instead.

The issue stems from Glassdoor’s acquisition of Fishbowl, a professional networking app, last year. As a result, all Glassdoor users were automatically signed up for a Fishbowl account, which requires users to verify their identities. This change in terms of service now requires all Glassdoor users to be verified, raising concerns about data privacy and anonymity.

Aaron Mackey, a lawyer for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), expressed concerns about the change, particularly for employees who fear retaliation for their reviews. Mackey noted that Glassdoor users could previously choose to remain anonymous, but the new requirement for verified identities could potentially link users to their reviews if data is ever subpoenaed or leaked.

Monica, who was worried about the implications of her real name being linked to her reviews, decided to delete her Glassdoor account. However, she soon discovered that her name would still be stored by Glassdoor, even after deactivating her account. Glassdoor informed her that a data erasure request could take up to 30 days.

Despite Glassdoor’s reassurances that user profiles and contents are not visible to employers, Monica remained adamant about her privacy. She expressed her refusal to consent to having her real name displayed on her profile, stating that she would delete her account before allowing it.

The incident has sparked a debate about data privacy and transparency on Glassdoor, with users questioning the platform’s commitment to protecting their anonymity. As the situation unfolds, many are calling for greater transparency and control over their personal information on the platform.