Byline: By Uyghur Times Staff, July 13, 2024, 10:00 am ET
LinkedIn is facing criticism following reports that Chinese hackers have targeted accounts linked to Uyghur human rights advocacy, including those of Uyghur Times and its founder, Tahir Imin.
Tahir Imin, a Uyghur rights advocate, took to Twitter today to denounce LinkedIn for failing to protect his account, which was allegedly hacked, stolen, and subsequently deleted. Expressing disbelief, he criticized LinkedIn for allowing such a breach and described the challenging process he faces to recover his account and prove his identity.
Following this incident, Uyghur Times discovered that the LinkedIn page linked to Tahir Imin’s account, crucial for the organization’s outreach, was also deleted. In a concerning development, a LinkedIn profile now displays a Chinese account claiming the position of ‘Secretary at Uyghur Times,’ raising alarms about potential infiltration and misinformation.
Reports suggest that LinkedIn has been exploited by Chinese spies for espionage activities. Instances include allegations that Chinese operatives used LinkedIn to target and contact thousands of British officials, aiming to solicit sensitive information. This underscores growing concerns globally about the platform’s vulnerability to state-sponsored espionage.
LinkedIn has addressed the accusation by responding to Tahir Imin’s post on X: At times, when you can’t access your account we request ID’s for verification. This is necessary for security reasons as it helps ensure we’re providing access to the true account holder. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e7DhR8sj -Kd
The compromise of Tahir Imin’s account and the Uyghur Times page not only threatens individual privacy and organizational integrity but also highlights broader implications for digital security and human rights advocacy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by activists and journalists in vulnerable communities.
LinkedIn’s compromise in China’s global espionage has been a topic of concern, with previous reports highlighting its use as a tool for intelligence gathering by foreign actors. Instances of Chinese spies leveraging LinkedIn to target officials for sensitive information have raised significant cybersecurity challenges and diplomatic tensions.
Additional Resources: For more information on cybersecurity and human rights issues, visit Uyghur Times and stay informed about ongoing developments.
