Indications have emerged that the world’s largest professional networking site LinkedIn is testing a ‘social audio experience’ which would allow the app users to “connect with their community” across its network. Different to Clubhouse or other rivals being built by Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn believes its audio networking feature will connect with users’ professional identity, “not just a social profile”.

Spokesperson Suzi Owens said that “we’re seeing nearly 50% growth in conversations on LinkedIn reflected in stories, video shares, and posts on the platform, we’re doing some early tests to create a unique audio experience connected to your professional identity.  Adding that LinkedIn is looking at how it can bring audio to other parts of the networking app such as events and groups, to give its members even more ways to connect to their community.”

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She goes on to reveal that LinkedIn’s priority is to build a trusted community where people feel safe and can be productive. “Our members come to LinkedIn to have respectful and constructive conversations with real people and we’re focused on ensuring they have a safe environment to do just that.”

Clubhouse has become a wildly popular app across the world. The app collects content, communications, and other information that participants provide, including when you sign up for an account, create or share content, and message or communicate with others. To create and manage an account, a participant may provide personal data, including name, phone number, a photo, an email address, and a username. And the app temporarily records the audio in a room while the room is live.

Also, the data collected about the participants may also be given to third-parties, albeit for temporary use, but as the app has seen from high-profile incidents no one is insured against leaks.

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Kaspersky researchers believe that the app can create a false sense of security, privacy, and closeness, in part because of how its registration works (it’s invitation-only at the moment). This creates several risks for the users, which are important to be aware of when using any public space on the Internet.

Alex Stamos, Director of the Stanford Internet Observatory (SIO) says users should assume all conversations are being recorded. “Clubhouse cannot provide any privacy promises for conversations held anywhere around the world.”

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry