I Verified My LinkedIn Identity. Here's What I Actually Handed Over.

I wanted the blue checkmark on LinkedIn. The one that says “this person is real.” In a sea of fake recruiters, bot accounts, and AI-generated headshots, it seemed like a smart thing to do.So I tapped “verify.” I scanned my passport. I took a selfie. Three minutes later — done. Badge acquired. I felt a tiny dopamine hit of legitimacy.Then I did what apparently nobody does. I went and read the privacy policy and terms of service.Not LinkedIn’s. The other company’s.