Gitika Bhatla | @gitika_bhatla

The business-focused social networking giant, LinkedIn, has announced new changes to its Terms of Service. Merging SlideShare and Pulse policies into its general Terms of Service, it is following a multi-app strategy and is currently offering four apps with specialized services, namely SlideShare, Pulse, Recruiter and Contacts. The integration has made it convenient for the members to agree to one set of terms when interacting with LinkedIn properties.

SlideShare, which LinkedIn acquired in 2012, allows users to upload presentations and business documents and can be personalized based on your LinkedIn profile and network. Similarly, LinkedIn Pulse, the professional news app, helps users browse the news they like, pushing articles recommended by people in their contact list to the top.

Updates to Privacy Policy

In terms of privacy of member data, LinkedIn, with its 'members first' philosophy has now clearly mentioned that it will inform members about requests for their data from the government, unless it is legally prohibited or is required in an emergency situation. It will also dispute such demands if they happen to be vague or lacking authority. This update has been made to Section 2.14 of LinkedIn's Privacy Policy.

LinkedIn's Premium services are known to be a valuable resource for job seekers and employers. But apart from generating career opportunities, the Premium service also offers Talent Solutions, Marketing Solutions and Sales Solutions. This update has been made to Section 2.12 of LinkedIn's Privacy Policy.

As LinkedIn expands globally, mobile phone number becomes an important communication tool. When you register with LinkedIn to create an account, you now provide your name, email address, password and/or your mobile number too to create a personalized experience.

Updates to User Agreement

Content Availability

LinkedIn operates within the laws and frameworks of the countries in which it operates. As for the service availability, LinkedIn may be required by local laws of a country to remove certain information or content, hence not guaranteeing to continue showing or storing it. While law may require LinkedIn to remove certain content, at the same time, LinkedIn also reserves the right to remove content if it is hurtful or infringing on others' rights. This update has been made to section 4.1 of the Users Agreement.