Glassdoor Changes Name Policy
Glassdoor, a platform where employees leave anonymous reviews of their employers, has recently implemented a new policy that adds real names to user profiles without users’ consent. This change has sparked concern among users, including a software professional named Monica.
Monica’s Experience
Monica, who has been using Glassdoor for approximately 10 years, was taken aback when she discovered that her real name had been added to her profile without her permission. Despite her explicit requests for her name to be withheld, Glassdoor’s support team proceeded to update her profile with her real name.
Monica, who had previously used Glassdoor to review employers and assist others in evaluating job opportunities, eventually decided to delete her account after encountering difficulties in securing the removal of her real name from her profile.
Data Privacy Concerns
While users can still choose to remain anonymous on Glassdoor, the platform’s new policy has raised questions regarding data privacy and anonymity. Aaron Mackey, a lawyer for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, highlighted the potential risks associated with the mandatory inclusion of real names on user profiles.
According to Mackey, the change in Glassdoor’s policy could potentially expose users to identification in case of data breaches or legal requests for information. This shift has caused unease among users, particularly those who rely on anonymity to protect themselves from employer retaliation.
Monica’s Reaction
Concerned about the implications of her real name being linked to her reviews, Monica expressed her dismay at Glassdoor’s disregard for user privacy and data protection. Despite her being assured that her anonymity would be maintained, Monica remained adamant in her stance against the involuntary disclosure of her identity.
Ultimately, Monica opted to request a data erasure from Glassdoor, a process that could take up to 30 days. She underscored the importance of protecting user privacy and criticized Glassdoor for prioritizing name disclosure over user consent.
In conclusion, Monica’s experience sheds light on the evolving landscape of online data privacy and the importance of empowering users to control the information shared on platforms like Glassdoor.
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