Thank you, Jan, for your thoughtful comment. I completely understand where you're coming from, and you raise valid points about the nature of LinkedIn and public profiles. It's true that many users, myself included, have chosen to make parts of our profiles public to enhance our visibility, whether for networking or self-promotion. I also agree that LinkedIn’s privacy policies have historically left much to be desired, and in many ways, the platform has monetized our data for years.

However, my concern isn't just about what has been happening but about the broader implications of how platforms handle our data going forward, particularly when it comes to AI and machine learning. Even if profiles are public, I believe there's still a line between passive visibility and active data scraping at scale without explicit user consent. In the EU, for example, there's more regulation on these practices, ensuring that users are more informed and protected by default. I’d like to see platforms like LinkedIn adopt a similar approach, where users are given clearer options and control over how their data is used, even if it’s public.

I also feel conflicted about LinkedIn. While I’ve been tempted to delete my profile, I’ve found ways to make it work for me. It has connected me with opportunities and readers, but I agree with your frustrations regarding its flaws. Other platforms, like Twitter (or X, now), have gone even further downhill in my view, becoming less about meaningful engagement and more about monetization.

Ultimately, I think the conversation should focus on how these platforms can evolve, offering more transparency and respect for users' data. I appreciate your perspective and the dialogue this brings.

Best.