Part III of the “LinkedIn Privacy Series” from PrivacyMatters2u & SummerSnow Publications
Summary:
When LinkedIn first came on the scene, like so many others, I jumped on and created a profile; and, like many others, I rarely if ever used or even thought about my account.
Until now.
I’ve subsequently learned leaving a dormant LinkedIn profile online can carry real privacy and reputational risks without any upside.
5 reasons it’s important to delete your LinkedIn account if your not actively using it:
1- Data is still being tracked and shared.
You’re not benefiting from the site, yet you’re still a part of the ad system even if you’re inactive. LinkedIn may still:
- Track your off-platform behavior (via cookies, pixels, etc.)
- Use your profile data in ad targeting
- Include your profile in people’s search results, AI training, or network suggestions
2 - You may have uploaded other people’s data
In the past, you may have unknowingly:
- Synced your contacts
- Let LinkedIn access your address book
- Invited people to join or connect
Whether you remember your account or not, those records may still exist in LinkedIn’s systems. Deleting your account helps ensure you no longer contribute to shadow profiles or unsolicited invitations.
3 - Inactive LinkedIn profiles can be used to profile you wrongly
Recruiters or peers may find your outdated profile and make judgments based on old information. If your job title, employer, or location is no longer accurate, it could create confusion and make you look careless. Inactive accounts may even signal a lack of professionalism, especially if you work in tech, media, or business.
You’re still being seen—even if you’re not watching.
4 - A Dormant LinkedIn account can be hacked
Like any social media platform, LinkedIn is a target for phishing and credential-stuffing attacks. If you don’t actively monitor your account, you may not notice unusual logins, identity misuse or spam messages sent from your account. Deleting the account closes the door on future misuse.
5 - Deleting LinkedIn can be a quiet act of Digital Minimalism
Removing an account is an act of:
Privacy. Focus. Intentionality.
It says: “I choose where I show up online and how.”
If you’re not using LinkedIn, why leave it open? LinkedIn is only valuable if you’re networking, recruiting or job hunting and/or building a personal brand or sharing professional content. If you’re doing none of those things, your account becomes digital clutter - just one more place to manage, update, protect, or worry about.
Steps to take to properly and completely delete your LinkedIn account
Before deleting your LinkedIn account, take the following steps to ensure no residual data remains, especially data tied to others (like uploaded contacts).
1 - Delete Synced Contacts
See Why LinkedIn Having Your Address Book is Dangerous for complete instructions.
2 - Delete Past Activity and Metadata
You may be surprised by how much LinkedIn has on you even if you’ve barely used it.
- Go to Settings & Privacy
- Select Data privacy
- Tap Manage your data and activity and manually remove: Search history, Connection invites, Comments/posts (if desired), Contact import logs
3 - Revoke Third-Party Access
Don’t allow Google or Microsoft or any other 3rd party continued access to your LinkedIn account.
- Go back to Data privacy
- Scroll down to Permitted services
- Remove any connected apps or services (e.g. Zapier, Google, Outlook)
- Revoke LinkedIn direct access in Gmail or Outlook
4. Download Your Data (Optional but Recommended)
This is helpful if you ever want a record of your digital interactions for personal, legal, or archival reasons.
- Go back to Data privacy
- Select Get a copy of your data
- Request the full archive (recommended for transparency)
5. Delete your LinkedIn Account:
Once your cleanup is complete, it’s time to rid yourself of the account.
- Go to Settings & Privacy
- Select Account Preferences
- Scroll to Account Management
- Click Close account and then Continue
- LinkedIn will ask you to choose a reason (optional)
- Enter your password to confirm
There's a short reactivation window if you change your mind, but account deletion is permanent. Your profile will be deactivated and your public profile will disappear from search engines. All your data (posts, messages, endorsements, connections) will be removed from LinkedIn
Note that some backup copies may be retained by LinkedIn for legal/audit reasons, but won't be publicly visible or accessible.
Creepy ads and scam job offers? They’ll soon be in your past.
This post reflects my personal experience and understanding of LinkedIn’s practices as of August 2025. For the latest information, consult LinkedIn’s official privacy policy.
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Disclaimer: The above is solely intended for informational purposes and in no way constitutes legal advice or specific recommendations.