That is what the article is about. Now go read it.

My comments and feelings: I don't think that this is legal in the part of the world where I live. The data on my PC belongs to my employer but the different profiles that I have online? I don't think so - I rather see them as a digital complement of me; taking those is like identity take-over.

Did the guy in question informed LinkedIn management / the police / the press? This would be the first thing that I would do. I mean, you are leaving your job, they are doing nasty, so what the heck. Start with the same!

Mark

I agree with Mark -- I don't think this is legal. It sounds not only like identity theft, but also a shakedown. If it's not illegal, it should be.

However, it's a good cautionary tale. Probably a good idea (when leaving a firm where there is substantial interest in/ dependence on LinkedIn) to set up a second account. Give the employer that login detail. At the very least, download the database and re link with everyone from a new account. Once your contacts here how the ex-employer "did the dirty" on you, they will probably send the employer to hell when he contacts them posing as you.

Jim

I guess it depends who created the profile (and who pays for it) in the first place. If the Employer pays for maintenance then it gives him a right to claim for some sort of ownership. Then when leaving one could negotiate a "take over" by committing to pay / re-imburse the fees.

If the profile was created solely by the employee and he takes the initiative to maintain it (and pay for it) then that's fairly clear to me.

my 2 cents

Aurelio

at all online networks through three employers. If or when I leave, I take my network with me.

Nina Camp

www.linkedin.com/in/ninacamp