Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into LinkedIn Corporation over allegations that the company advertised and profited from fake or misleading job opportunities ("ghost jobs") on its platform. The investigation focuses on whether LinkedIn misled consumers who paid for Premium subscriptions by failing to disclose that a significant percentage of job postings may be inactive or not genuine hiring opportunities.
No remedies have been imposed; this is an ongoing investigation. The OAG issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to LinkedIn seeking documents, data, and internal communications.
In-house legal teams should review vendor agreements with job listing platforms and recruitment service providers to ensure that any representations about job posting accuracy, verification, and active hiring status are contractually guaranteed. Key clauses to examine include service level agreements (SLAs) regarding listing verification, representations and warranties about the legitimacy of postings, and indemnification provisions for losses arising from misleading or fake listings. Additionally, customer-facing terms of service and subscription agreements should be reviewed for disclosures about the possibility of inactive or unverified job postings.
Entity
LinkedIn Corporation
Industry
Technology"LinkedIn Corporation"
"advertised and profited from fake or misleading job opportunities, commonly known as "ghost jobs""
"Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into LinkedIn Corporation ("LinkedIn") over allegations that the company has advertised and profited from fake or misleading job opportunities, commonly known as "ghost jobs," on its platform."
"Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act"
$1.0B
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a historic settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc. requiring Meta to pay over $1 billion and implement significant new safeguards to protect children online. The settlement includes stricter age-assurance measures, a daily two-hour limit for teen users, default disabling of notifications during school hours, hidden likes/reactions, and a nighttime access mode restricting features for children.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an industry-wide investigation into companies marketing avocado oil products that may contain undisclosed seed oils. Civil Investigative Demands were issued to Primal Kitchen, Siete Foods, and Chosen Foods, with more companies expected to be investigated for potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Attorney General Ken Paxton secured settlements with WK Kellogg Co. and General Mills Inc. requiring the removal of synthetic dyes from cereals served in schools. The companies have already removed these dyes from K-12 cereals, with full removal from all products by the end of 2027.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) over concerns that the organization may be promoting and recommending childhood vaccines for financial gain. The AAP has been issued a Civil Investigative Demand to determine the basis of its vaccine recommendations and whether they are influenced by financial incentives from pharmaceutical donors.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into major food manufacturers, including Frito Lay, Flora Food Group, and ACH Foods, over misleading 'heart healthy' labeling. The investigation will examine whether their advertising practices violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by misrepresenting the health value of their products. Civil Investigative Demands have been issued to these companies.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Lone Star Pups, LLC for misleading consumers about the origin and veterinary care of puppies sold online. The company allegedly misrepresents breeder certifications and a '10 Year Health Guarantee' with restrictive fine print. The investigation focuses on potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.