LinkedIn has announced new identity verification features for its members that aim to make it easier to confirm who you are on the platform. Unlike the blue checkmarks used on other social media platforms, LinkedIn’s verification process won’t cost users anything. Instead, the company is partnering with CLEAR, the same company that gets travelers to the front of security lines, to verify that the name on your ID matches the name on your profile. While the service is free, users will need to share a US phone number and government-issued ID to take advantage of the feature.
In addition to the CLEAR partnership, LinkedIn is offering a feature that allows users to verify where they work. To confirm your employer, you’ll need to enter a verification code sent to your company email address. Once the verification is complete, a “verification” field will appear on your LinkedIn profile that states what details have been verified. Alternatively, some users will be able to verify both their identity and employer at once via a partnership with Microsoft Entra, which creates workplace IDs for companies enrolled in the program.
LinkedIn previously added phone number and email verification features last year, but those checks were only visible in a slightly hidden “about this profile” field. The new changes will make verifications more visible, with a prominent “verifications” section that will appear directly under a user’s profile details.
LinkedIn’s approach to verification differs from that of other social media platforms like Meta and Twitter, which use blue checkmarks to indicate verified profiles. However, LinkedIn is making verification a separate feature and not tying it to any paid subscriptions. While having a verified profile won’t come with any additional advantages for now, it could help protect users from fake accounts, impersonators, and other scams. The new verification features are set to roll out in the coming weeks.
