LinkedIn Introduces Free Voluntary ID Verification Feature For Indian Users

Professional networking platform LinkedIn is going to roll out a free voluntary ID verification for its Indian users who have a valid Aadhaar number and an Indian phone number. 

The ID verification feature will be performed by HyperVerge, a third-party identity verification service that leverages DigiLocker – a digital wallet for government IDs including Aadhaar. 

The development comes within two months after LinkedIn initiated a similar ID verification for its users in the US, which was performed by a third-party identity verification service, CLEAR. 

“With nearly a billion members around the globe using LinkedIn to connect, seek employment, and share knowledge, we recognise the paramount significance of safety, trust, and authenticity on the platform,” said Ashutosh Gupta, country manager of LinkedIn India in a blog post.

“Having an ID verification means that the individual’s government-issued ID is verified by one of LinkedIn’s verification partners,” Gupta added.  

It must be noted that unlike the recently paid verification method introduced by the social media joints such as Twitter and Meta, LinkedIn’s account verification, though limited to select geographies currently, would not incur any additional cost.

“We believe verification should be for everyone on LinkedIn, that’s why this feature will be available and free to all our eligible members in India,” said Gupta.

As per Gupta, LinkedIn has more than 100 Mn users in India.

LinkedIn said that it might expand ID verification globally and add more verification partners in the future.

During the verification process, users will be signed up for a DigiLocker account. If a user already has an account, then one can continue the verification using a DigiLocker 6-digit security PIN. The user’s names on the ID and on the LinkedIn profile would need to match. 

“Verifications are visible, but you can remove them anytime. A verification indicating that you’ve confirmed your work email, government ID, or workplace will be visible on your profile once the verification process is completed, but the actual information itself (i.e. the email address, information on your ID card or the company credential) will not be visible,” said LinkedIn. 

In February this year, microblogging platform Twitter rolled out its premium subscription service, Twitter Blue, for its Indian users. Currently, Twitter Blue is available in the country at INR 900 per month.

Following Twitter’s path, Meta also launched Meta verified. In India, Meta verified for Facebook and Instagram is expected to cost INR 1,450 a month on mobile devices.