LinkedIn Sued for Reading Universal Clipboard Data - MacRumors
Skip to Content

LinkedIn Sued for Reading Universal Clipboard Data

Microsoft's LinkedIn was sued yesterday for allegedly reading and diverting users' private information using the iOS clipboard.

microsoft owned linkedin reddit also accessing ios clipboard because why not 530459 2
The lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court states that LinkedIn "secretly" read the clipboard "a lot," without notifying the user, according to Reuters. The complaint also claims that LinkedIn has been gathering clipboard information from nearby Apple devices through the Universal Clipboard feature, and has been circumventing Apple's Universal Clipboard timeout.

The lawsuit attempts to certify the complaint as class action based on alleged violation of the law or social norms, under California laws. Last week, LinkedIn claimed that the clipboard copying behavior is a bug and is not an intended operation. A VP at LinkedIn commented that the contents of the clipboard are not stored or transmitted, and that a fix for the issue will soon be available.

iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 include a new privacy banner feature that informs users when an app pastes from the clipboard. Other apps, such as TikTok, Twitter, Starbucks, Overstock, AccuWeather, and more, have also been caught snooping on user clipboards for no clear reason, but this is the first legal case of its kind related to clipboard spying.

Popular Stories

apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 6 U.S. States

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:29 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards,...
apple silicon 1 feature

Apple Silicon is Taking an Unexpected Turn

Friday July 10, 2026 7:24 am PDT by
Ever since the Mac switched from Intel processors to Apple silicon starting in 2020, each generation of M-series chips has included higher-end Pro and Max variants. If a recent report proves to be accurate, though, that streak will be coming to an end. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will be releasing a regular M6 chip, but it has no plans to offer higher-end M6 Pro and M6 Max...
iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...

Top Rated Comments

CausticSoda Avatar
78 months ago
Good! I hope they are all taken to the cleaners.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
78 months ago
This is what we found so far. Imagine what else they have been doing?

Users should have more choices and options into what the app can access. Apple needs to make a "Temporary" access option or "allow while using" or some sort of timer setting for Photo/Camera/Mic/Contacts, etc. This is going out of hand.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
78 months ago
I just learned with this article that LinkedIn is Microsoft’s! Had no clue.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
imnotthewalrus Avatar
78 months ago
I personally was always a little suspicious of LinkedIn. I quit using the app years ago, but would continue to get "invites" from friends who, after i asked them about it, said they had never sent one to me. The "bug" argument, however, with a good lawyer could get them off the hook. Just IMO but it seems like justice anymore is subject to the highest bidder.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kenni417 Avatar
78 months ago
oh boy, here we go ...
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
78 months ago
Holy Cow!! Way to go LinkedIn, so nice to have steal my words for your own gain.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)