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(Image Source: LinkedIn)
JASMINE BAILEY
Anyone planning on using LinkedIn — the
professional networking site — to gain clients in the world's oldest profession, better think
again. The company just added a new clause in its user agreement terms.
It states users shall not: "Upload, post, email, InMail, transmit or otherwise make
available or initiate any content that: Even if it is legal where you are located, create
profiles or provide content that promotes escort services or prostitution." (Via LinkedIn)
Before the change, there was a similar clause prohibiting users from "unlawful" activities
— however, prostitution isn't "unlawful" in every country.
Mashable talks to a representative who says, "...LinkedIn decided to be a little more explicit about
banning these professions from the site, regardless of what a country's laws might be."
So, was the move really necessary for the site? After all, the point of LinkedIn is
to build a professional identity. Well actually, it might have been. On the site people can
endorse you for skills...
...one of which is prostitution. But we've got to point out the description ties it to
law enforcement. So it's probably meant for police officers. (Via LinkedIn)
But a writer for ReadWrite points out an "escort" means basically the same thing as ***,
noting, " ...escort services fall into a legal gray area in many jurisdictions. The
clarification appears necessary, as some LinkedIn members appear to have been skirting the older
terms to offer risqué business." (Via Read Write)
LinkedIn's new policy came into effect as of Monday.