Glassdoor collects the content of direct messages sent on its platform and associated identifying information.
This analysis describes what Glassdoor's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
Users may assume that direct messages on a professional networking platform are private, but the policy discloses that message content is collected as personal data, which has implications for how confidentially users can communicate.
Interpretive note: The policy does not specify the purposes for which direct message content is used beyond collection disclosure, creating uncertainty about downstream use.
The updated policy grants EU, UK, and Swiss residents explicit rights to request access to their personal data held by Glassdoor in the United States, and to correct, amend, or delete that data. Glassdoor commits to responding to deletion requests within a reasonable timeframe and to obtaining explicit consent before sharing sensitive data with third parties or using data for purposes beyond the original collection. You can exercise these rights by following the instructions in the 'Controlling Your Personal Data' section of the policy.
View change record →The updated privacy policy removes explicit language granting users the right to correct, amend, or delete personal information held by Glassdoor. It also eliminates the documented right to opt-out before data is shared with third parties or used for purposes beyond the original collection. Previously, users could request limits on data use and disclosure; this right is no longer stated in the policy. Instead, the updated terms establish binding arbitration as the mechanism for resolving privacy complaints. Under the revised policy, users who have unresolved privacy concerns may invoke binding arbitration through TrustArc, but they no longer have contractually documented access to data correction, deletion, opt-out, or use-limitation mechanisms.
View change record →Previous version had empty excerpt; current version now specifies that direct messages and associated content are collected and classified as identifiers.
View full change record →Direct messages sent through Glassdoor or Fishbowl are collected as personal data, meaning their content may be retained, used, or potentially shared in ways consistent with the broader policy's data use and sharing provisions.
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"Direct messages and associated Content. Identifiers.Excerpt from Glassdoor's Privacy Policy
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Collection and processing of direct message content engages GDPR Article 6 lawful basis requirements and potentially ePrivacy Directive obligations for communications privacy in the EU.
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Users may assume that direct messages on a professional networking platform are private, but the policy discloses that message content is collected as personal data, which has implications for how confidentially users can communicate.
Direct messages sent through Glassdoor or Fishbowl are collected as personal data, meaning their content may be retained, used, or potentially shared in ways consistent with the broader policy's data use and sharing provisions.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 290 platforms. See the full comparison.
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