LinkedIn criticised for rolling out major restriction on all free accounts

After Elon Musk recently suggested that users of X might be asked to pay to continue accessing the service, this looks like LinkedIn deciding to get in on the action. However, this is totally at odds with LinkedIn's mission statement and also puts in jeopardy ongoing sales of both LinkedIn Recruiter licences and Sales Navigator licences. 90% of LinkedIn users are opposed to this change, so we're all watching to see if they will U-turn on this.

This feels like a very draconian measure, given that LinkedIn is meant to be about building a like-minded business community. One point to note is that this is only a limit on sending personalised messages with the connection request, which means non-message connection requests will still be possible. It's clearly a response to try and combat the number of automated accounts and scam bots that are on the platform, but this will make it harder to pick out the connection requests that are useful to add to your network.

Holders of free accounts and spammers alike will be up in arms about this decision, but let’s look past the emotion and indignation for a moment. The free model means users are the product and we’ve already seen how that distorts the feed algorithm. Plus, you’ve only got to look at your Facebook to see how the over-reliance on ad revenue impacts the user experience. So if you’re up in arms about the change, chill out. Premium is the cost of a few lattes each month and is now worth it more than ever.

The suggestion of LinkedIn's curb on free account connections aims to tackle platform abuse, a move reflecting their autonomy to monetise and maintain quality networking. We are all bored of being spammed every day. However, the steep price for Premium access stifles many from enhanced networking opportunities. A reduced fee, say £10 a month, could strike a balance, encouraging responsible use and making premium features accessible, keeping LinkedIn's democratic ethos intact. Ultimately, their platform, their rules. But a little flexibility could go a long way in maintaining LinkedIn's broad appeal and utility.
It is a fantastic platform, which you cannot find for free anywhere else with this level of functionality.

I've been on LinkedIn since 2011, building a network of 8,000 connections. With over two decades in hospitality sales and my own side business in handmade textile jewellery, I value LinkedIn's role in professional insights and connections. The platform's open structure nurtures vibrant business connections and communities, regardless of the industry. It offers a unique space for discovering like-minded professionals and industry influencers while expanding one's network. The wealth of learning opportunities and business focus make LinkedIn the number one platform for professionals. The recent policy changes concern me as they may jeopardize the core elements of LinkedIn's success, stifling its free-spirited essence. LinkedIn's distinctiveness lies in its professional and career focus, fostering an environment for learning, engagement, and inspiration. The proposed changes may impact the ability to establish connections, share ideas, and learn freely, affecting its unique identity.

LinkedIn is a platform for building relationships with your professional network. Reducing the number of personalised invitations to ten per month seems to go against this entire ethos. Yes, you will still be able to connect without a message, but are we losing the art of connecting with conversation? There is a move towards encouraging people to change their accounts to Creator Mode, where your network are invited to follow you rather than connect. More celebrity accounts are popping up as well on LinkedIn, with Snoop Dogg as an example. Could this be a change in strategy to attract and engage the younger workforce who are more used to following influencers and less interested in having one-to-one conversations? For business owners and entrepreneurs who prefer connecting with thought and building a network of value to grow business relationships, this is not a good move. Let's hope the test proves this is not the way to go for LinkedIn.