Arabella Asis Tech 03.20.2024 23:Mar PM EDT

Glassdoor Users Complain After Platform Showed Real Names Without Consent

Some users of the popular workplace review site Glassdoor have complained after the platform allegedly collected and showed their real names to their profiles without permission.

Glassdoor prides itself as a platform where anyone can anonymously sign up and share reviews from companies they have worked for.

Users Accuse Glassdoor of Gathering Information

One user shared that she noticed that her Glassdoor profile showed her real name and the city where she lives despite opting for anonymity on the platform. Prior to the incident, the user had an exchange with Glassdoor's customer support wherein she never gave her name during the process.

According to her, the email contained her full name but she never thought that Glassdoor would use it to add to her profile.

Other Glassdoor users have since then shared their experience. For instance, a user explained that his personal information was added despite not actively using the service for several years. He also did not have any social accounts connected to the platform.

Glassdoor Defends Itself From Accusations

Glassdoor issued a statement stating that the company "has never and will never reveal a user's name alongside their content, unless that is what the user chooses." The company support service also explained that adding a name would not compromise the anonymity of past reviews.

The concern has sparked concerns among users citing that a hack or a data breach could easily compromise their data. Users are also concerned that such personal details, which are gathered without permission, could be obtained by legal process.

Previously, Glassdoor admitted that the company could not fully verify its users' identities along with the legitimacy of their contributions or their employment status. However, the company notes that a proprietary verification process is required for everyone before they get full access to the platform.