A class action lawsuit has been filed against the professional networking site LinkedIn alleging that it violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), reports Law Technology News. The plaintiffs have taken issue with LinkedIn providing prospective employers and others who pay for premium services a “trusted references” report containing employment history without verifying its accuracy.
According to the lawsuit, because LinkedIn provides reference reports for a subscription fee, it falls under the purview of the FRCA, which requires it to meet certification and disclosure requirements. The plaintiffs further contend that LinkedIn has failed to put procedures in place to ensure the accuracy of the information.
“Such secrecy in dealing in consumer information directly contradicts the express purposes of the FCRA, which was enacted to promote accuracy, fairness and the privacy of personal information assembled by credit reporting agencies,” the claim says.