Comparison table

Privacy matrix

The matrix compresses the individual reviews into a consistent decision sheet: what is collected, where it flows, and how much control a normal user can exercise.

Composite score

PlatformCollectionSharing pressureUser controlComposite
LinkedInVery broadHighFragmented8/10
BlindModerateModerateBehavior-dependent4/10
XingModerateLower global pressureRegional/legal leverage3/10
PeerlistLeanLowProfile discipline matters2/10

Dimension notes

DimensionWhat raises riskWhat lowers risk
Identity densityReal name, full work history, contact import, and social graph in one account.Minimal profile fields and clear separation between public profile and private search.
Behavioral modelFeeds, ad clicks, search intent, messaging metadata, and job-seeking signals.Low-feed use, disabled personalization, and separate job-tracking workflow.
Recipient scopeParent-company ecosystems, advertising vendors, AI uses, and broad integrations.Narrower product scope and transparent vendor lists.
Control qualitySettings split across many screens or worded as vague toggles.Exports, deletion workflows, granular visibility, and plain privacy language.

Recommended stack

For most professionals, the practical answer is not deleting every account. Keep one public discovery profile, publish durable work samples on a domain you control, avoid contact imports, use a separate job-search email, and review privacy controls every quarter.