[LINK] refreshing - privacy policy changes not buried

[Eric Scheid]

So I go to LinkedIN today and I see splashed across the top of every page
this message:

    Attention

    We¹ve updated! On July 31, 2008, LinkedIn published
    revised versions of our _Privacy Policy_ and our _User
    Agreement_. Using LinkedIn means you consent to these
    policies, so please take a few minutes to read and
    understand them.

Following those two links I see the entire policy, and right at the top is
this:

    Our Privacy Policy has been updated; _click here_ for a
    summary of the changes.

Following that link brings me to this:

    Summary of Changes to LinkedIn Privacy Policy

    LinkedIn has revised its privacy policy as of July 31,
    2008. LinkedIn did not materially alter any privacy
    protections, but revised the privacy policy to provide
    more detail and clarification on LinkedIn¹s collection
    and use of personal data. We have provided a privacy
    policy highlights page to facilitate your review and
    understanding of LinkedIn¹s present privacy policies and
    practices. However, you should read the full privacy
    policy as you will be bound by its terms when you view,
    access or otherwise use LinkedIn.

    Following are some of the key additions to the privacy
    policy.

    In Section 1, titled ³Personal Information Collected²,
    we explain that non personally identifiable information
    that users provide as part of the registration process
    may be used to facilitate the targeting of
    advertisements and other information to users. We also
    expand on our discussion of how LinkedIn may use cookies
    in connection with its service.

    In Section 2, titled ³Use of Personal information², we
    expand on the means by which LinkedIn may communicate
    with its members which may include text and other forms
    of messaging to the extent they are available through
    LinkedIn.

    Section 2 also includes new provisions on how your
    personal information may become available to others if
    you participate in surveys and polls, provide
    testimonials, or place advertisements through LinkedIn¹s
    DirectAd service.

    We also added a paragraph under this Section called
    ³Disclosure to others² which addresses LinkedIn¹s
    disclosure of personal information to third parties as
    part of a reorganization or sale of assets by LinkedIn.

    In Section 3 titled ³Your Information Choices² we
    provide more detailed information with respect to
    accessing and changing account information.

    Finally, we added a Section 4 titled ³Important
    Information² to clarify that children are not eligible
    to use the service or submit personal information. We
    also explain the role of Truste, an independent,
    non-profit organization which promotes the use of fair
    information practices, in relation to LinkedIn¹s privacy
    practices and resolution of disputes.

    LinkedIn has also updated its User Agreement. To review
    the highlights of the changes to LinkedIn¹s User
    Agreement, please _click here_.

The changes to the User Agreement receive similar treatment. It's refreshing
to see changes like this made easy to understand.

I haven't read either in great detail, but given it's so open and
transparent if there's anything amiss I'm sure to hear howls of outrage in
my neighborhood.

e.