Indeed forced arbitration and bundling of consent: Difference between revisions
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'''Indeed''', owned by [[Recruit Holdings]], operates as one of the world's largest job search platforms with '''more than 350 million monthly unique visitors'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/news/releases/indeed-introduces-specialist-media-networkshelping-employers-reach-more-skilled-professionals-across-industry-specific-sites-to-hire-for-hard-to-fill-roles |title=Indeed Introduces Specialist Media Networks, Helping Employers Reach More Skilled Professionals Across Industry-Specific Sites to Hire for Hard-to-Fill Roles |website=Indeed Press Room |date=2024-01-16 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> The platform had large operational changes in 2024-2025, including laying off over 4,500 employees (2,200 in March 2023, 1,000 in May 2024, & 1,300 in July 2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/indeed-lay-2200-workers-reports-job-market-poised-continue-cooling |title=Indeed to lay off 2,200 workers, reports job market poised to continue cooling |website=Staffing Industry |date=2023-03-22 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrdive.com/news/indeed-layoffs-job-market/716166/ |title=Indeed lays off 1K employees, citing 'global slow-down' in hiring |website=HR Dive |date=2024-05-08 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indeed-glassdoor-layoffs-ai-job-search/ |title=Indeed & Glassdoor to lay off 1,300 workers as AI shakes up job search business |website=CBS News |date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | {{IncidentCargo | ||
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'''Indeed''', owned by [[Recruit Holdings]], operates as one of the world's largest job search platforms with '''more than 350 million monthly unique visitors'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/news/releases/indeed-introduces-specialist-media-networkshelping-employers-reach-more-skilled-professionals-across-industry-specific-sites-to-hire-for-hard-to-fill-roles |title=Indeed Introduces Specialist Media Networks, Helping Employers Reach More Skilled Professionals Across Industry-Specific Sites to Hire for Hard-to-Fill Roles |website=Indeed Press Room |date=2024-01-16 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250917083006/https://www.indeed.com/news/releases/indeed-introduces-specialist-media-networkshelping-employers-reach-more-skilled-professionals-across-industry-specific-sites-to-hire-for-hard-to-fill-roles |archive-date=17 Sep 2025}}</ref> The platform had large operational changes in 2024-2025, including laying off over 4,500 employees (2,200 in March 2023, 1,000 in May 2024, & 1,300 in July 2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/indeed-lay-2200-workers-reports-job-market-poised-continue-cooling |title=Indeed to lay off 2,200 workers, reports job market poised to continue cooling |website=Staffing Industry |date=2023-03-22 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250912122212/https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/indeed-lay-2200-workers-reports-job-market-poised-continue-cooling |archive-date=12 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrdive.com/news/indeed-layoffs-job-market/716166/ |title=Indeed lays off 1K employees, citing 'global slow-down' in hiring |website=HR Dive |date=2024-05-08 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918023116/https://www.hrdive.com/news/indeed-layoffs-job-market/716166/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indeed-glassdoor-layoffs-ai-job-search/ |title=Indeed & Glassdoor to lay off 1,300 workers as AI shakes up job search business |website=CBS News |date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203231134/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indeed-glassdoor-layoffs-ai-job-search/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> | |||
CEO Chris Hyams resigned on June 2, 2025, after six years leading the company, replaced by former Indeed CEO Hisayuki "Deko" Idekoba.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/03/indeed-ceo-chris-hyams-resigns-hands-reins-over-to-former-chief-hisayuki-idekoba/ |title=Indeed CEO Chris Hyams resigns, hands reins over to former chief Hisayuki Idekoba |website=TechCrunch |date=2025-06-03 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> Recruit Holdings reported Q1 2024 HR Technology revenue falling 2.5% year-over-year to $1.83 billion, with U.S. revenue declining 5.0%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/recruit-q1-revenue-falls-indeed-sees-decline-in-job-postings |title=Recruit Q1 revenue falls, Indeed sees decline in job postings |website=Staffing Industry |date=2024-08-07 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | CEO Chris Hyams resigned on June 2, 2025, after six years leading the company, replaced by former Indeed CEO Hisayuki "Deko" Idekoba.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/03/indeed-ceo-chris-hyams-resigns-hands-reins-over-to-former-chief-hisayuki-idekoba/ |title=Indeed CEO Chris Hyams resigns, hands reins over to former chief Hisayuki Idekoba |website=TechCrunch |date=2025-06-03 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723215216/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/03/indeed-ceo-chris-hyams-resigns-hands-reins-over-to-former-chief-hisayuki-idekoba/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref> Recruit Holdings reported Q1 2024 HR Technology revenue falling 2.5% year-over-year to $1.83 billion, with U.S. revenue declining 5.0%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/recruit-q1-revenue-falls-indeed-sees-decline-in-job-postings |title=Recruit Q1 revenue falls, Indeed sees decline in job postings |website=Staffing Industry |date=2024-08-07 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250920021718/https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/recruit-q1-revenue-falls-indeed-sees-decline-in-job-postings |archive-date=20 Sep 2025}}</ref> | ||
==Incident== | ==Incident== | ||
On '''August 22, 2025''', Indeed updated its Terms of Service to include mandatory binding arbitration provisions in Section D.12 that apply to all U.S. users.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |title=Terms of Service |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> The update coincided with the platform's use of a bundled consent checkbox during job applications & large regulatory changes following the vacation of the FCC's one-to-one consent rule. | On '''August 22, 2025''', Indeed updated its Terms of Service to include mandatory binding arbitration provisions in Section D.12 that apply to all U.S. users.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |title=Terms of Service |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222213536/https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The update coincided with the platform's use of a bundled consent checkbox during job applications & large regulatory changes following the vacation of the FCC's one-to-one consent rule. | ||
===Bundled consent checkbox=== | ===Bundled consent checkbox=== | ||
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*Permission for Indeed to send its own marketing & platform communications | *Permission for Indeed to send its own marketing & platform communications | ||
[[File:Indeed bundled consent.jpg|alt=Checkbox to agree to receive text messages from indeed AND employers; cannot opt out of indeed text messages while opting into employer text messages.|thumb|Checkbox to agree to receive text messages from indeed '''''AND''''' employers; cannot opt out of indeed text messages while opting into employer text messages. ]] | [[File:Indeed bundled consent.jpg|alt=Checkbox to agree to receive text messages from indeed AND employers; cannot opt out of indeed text messages while opting into employer text messages.|thumb|Checkbox to agree to receive text messages from indeed '''''AND''''' employers; cannot opt out of indeed text messages while opting into employer text messages. ]] | ||
'''This bundled approach prevents users from consenting to employer communications without simultaneously agreeing to receive Indeed's marketing messages'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mslawgroup.com/tcpa-requirements-faq/ |title=TCPA Compliance, Opt-out & Consent Requirements |website=Mac Murray & Shuster LLP |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> Legal experts note that "it is impermissible to use a 'marketing partners' list or other technique that bundles consent for multiple sellers into a single consent action."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mslawgroup.com/tcpa-requirements-faq/ |title=TCPA Compliance, Opt-out & Consent Requirements |website=Mac Murray & Shuster LLP |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | '''This bundled approach prevents users from consenting to employer communications without simultaneously agreeing to receive Indeed's marketing messages'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mslawgroup.com/tcpa-requirements-faq/ |title=TCPA Compliance, Opt-out & Consent Requirements |website=Mac Murray & Shuster LLP |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119172214/https://mslawgroup.com/tcpa-requirements-faq/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> Legal experts note that "it is impermissible to use a 'marketing partners' list or other technique that bundles consent for multiple sellers into a single consent action."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mslawgroup.com/tcpa-requirements-faq/ |title=TCPA Compliance, Opt-out & Consent Requirements |website=Mac Murray & Shuster LLP |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119172214/https://mslawgroup.com/tcpa-requirements-faq/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> | ||
===Arbitration agreement implementation=== | ===Arbitration agreement implementation=== | ||
Section D.12 of the Terms requires users to waive their rights to pursue disputes in court, participate in jury trials, & engage in class, collective, or representative actions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |title=Terms of Service (Section D.12) |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> The arbitration agreement applies retroactively to disputes arising before the clause was introduced, unless users had already notified Indeed of the dispute. | Section D.12 of the Terms requires users to waive their rights to pursue disputes in court, participate in jury trials, & engage in class, collective, or representative actions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |title=Terms of Service (Section D.12) |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222213536/https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The arbitration agreement applies retroactively to disputes arising before the clause was introduced, unless users had already notified Indeed of the dispute. | ||
[[File:Indeed forced arbitration.png|alt=Forced arbitration notice sent out to Indeed users|thumb|Forced arbitration notice sent out to Indeed users]] | [[File:Indeed forced arbitration.png|alt=Forced arbitration notice sent out to Indeed users|thumb|Forced arbitration notice sent out to Indeed users]] | ||
The arbitration provisions cover disputes ''"arising out of or relating in any way to the Site... any communications you send or receive... the Terms or prior versions of the Terms, or any aspect of your relationship with Indeed,"'' including disputes between users as well as with Indeed itself.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |title=Terms of Service (Section D.12 excerpts) |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | The arbitration provisions cover disputes ''"arising out of or relating in any way to the Site... any communications you send or receive... the Terms or prior versions of the Terms, or any aspect of your relationship with Indeed,"'' including disputes between users as well as with Indeed itself.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |title=Terms of Service (Section D.12 excerpts) |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222213536/https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
===Opt-out process=== | ===Opt-out process=== | ||
Job seekers are provided a '''30-day window''' to opt out of the arbitration agreement by sending notice to '''[email protected]'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |title=Terms of Service (Section D.12(l) – 30-Day Opt-Out) |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> The opt-out requires: | Job seekers are provided a '''30-day window''' to opt out of the arbitration agreement by sending notice to '''[email protected]'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |title=Terms of Service (Section D.12(l) – 30-Day Opt-Out) |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222213536/https://www.indeed.com/legal?hl=en |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The opt-out requires: | ||
*A statement of intent to opt out | *A statement of intent to opt out | ||
*Full name | *Full name | ||
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==Legal & regulatory context== | ==Legal & regulatory context== | ||
===FCC one-to-one consent rule vacated=== | ===FCC one-to-one consent rule vacated=== | ||
On '''January 24, 2025''', the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit vacated the FCC's one-to-one consent rule in ''Insurance Marketing Coalition Limited v. Federal Communications Commission''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://perkinscoie.com/insights/update/fccs-one-one-consent-rule-vacated-whats-next-tcpa-compliance |title=FCC's One-to-One Consent Rule Vacated: What's Next for TCPA Compliance? |website=Perkins Coie |date=2025-01-27 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> The court held that the FCC exceeded its statutory authority under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by imposing restrictions beyond the statutory requirement of "clear & unmistakable" consent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://epic.org/eleventh-circuit-vacates-robocall-consent-protection-before-it-takes-effect/ |title=Eleventh Circuit Vacates Robocall Consent Protection Before It Takes Effect |website=Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) |date=2025-01-24 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | On '''January 24, 2025''', the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit vacated the FCC's one-to-one consent rule in ''Insurance Marketing Coalition Limited v. Federal Communications Commission''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://perkinscoie.com/insights/update/fccs-one-one-consent-rule-vacated-whats-next-tcpa-compliance |title=FCC's One-to-One Consent Rule Vacated: What's Next for TCPA Compliance? |website=Perkins Coie |date=2025-01-27 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251011224534/https://perkinscoie.com/insights/update/fccs-one-one-consent-rule-vacated-whats-next-tcpa-compliance |archive-date=11 Oct 2025}}</ref> The court held that the FCC exceeded its statutory authority under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by imposing restrictions beyond the statutory requirement of "clear & unmistakable" consent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://epic.org/eleventh-circuit-vacates-robocall-consent-protection-before-it-takes-effect/ |title=Eleventh Circuit Vacates Robocall Consent Protection Before It Takes Effect |website=Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) |date=2025-01-24 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250916232040/https://epic.org/eleventh-circuit-vacates-robocall-consent-protection-before-it-takes-effect/ |archive-date=16 Sep 2025}}</ref> | ||
Despite the rule's vacation, fundamental TCPA principles prohibiting bundled consent remain in effect. Marketing experts emphasize this point: | Despite the rule's vacation, fundamental TCPA principles prohibiting bundled consent remain in effect. Marketing experts emphasize this point: | ||
<blockquote>"consent to contact cannot be implied or bundled with other agreements. It should be a standalone opt-in."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://activeprospect.com/blog/tcpa-consent/ |title=TCPA consent: The complete guide for marketers |website=ActiveProspect |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | <blockquote>"consent to contact cannot be implied or bundled with other agreements. It should be a standalone opt-in."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://activeprospect.com/blog/tcpa-consent/ |title=TCPA consent: The complete guide for marketers |website=ActiveProspect |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109190713/https://activeprospect.com/blog/tcpa-consent/ |archive-date=9 Nov 2025}}</ref> | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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*Consent must be obtained separately for each marketing entity | *Consent must be obtained separately for each marketing entity | ||
*Cannot be bundled with other agreements | *Cannot be bundled with other agreements | ||
*Must be clear & unambiguous<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcrecruiter.net/site/2025/01/16/recruiters-guide-to-texting/ |title=The Recruiter's Guide to the TCPA & Texting |website=PCRecruiter |date=2025-01-16 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | *Must be clear & unambiguous<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcrecruiter.net/site/2025/01/16/recruiters-guide-to-texting/ |title=The Recruiter's Guide to the TCPA & Texting |website=PCRecruiter |date=2025-01-16 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209132850/https://www.pcrecruiter.net/site/2025/01/16/recruiters-guide-to-texting/ |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref> | ||
Penalties range from '''$500 to $1,500 per violation''', with significant increases in TCPA litigation in recent years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnc.com/blog/what-tcpa-lawsuit-can-cost-you |title=What a TCPA Lawsuit Can Cost You |website=DNC.com |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> TCPA class action filings reached '''2,788 cases in 2024''' (a 67% increase from 2023) with January 2025 showing a 250% increase in class action filings year-over-year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tcpaworld.com/2025/03/06/tcpa-class-action-filings-explode-the-massive-final-numbers-are-in-for-2024-and-january-2025-numbers-are-insane/ |title=TCPA CLASS ACTION FILINGS EXPLODE: The MASSIVE Final Numbers Are In for 2024–And January, 2025 Numbers Are INSANE |website=TCPAWorld |date=2025-03-06 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | Penalties range from '''$500 to $1,500 per violation''', with significant increases in TCPA litigation in recent years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnc.com/blog/what-tcpa-lawsuit-can-cost-you |title=What a TCPA Lawsuit Can Cost You |website=DNC.com |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209112359/https://www.dnc.com/blog/what-tcpa-lawsuit-can-cost-you |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref> TCPA class action filings reached '''2,788 cases in 2024''' (a 67% increase from 2023) with January 2025 showing a 250% increase in class action filings year-over-year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tcpaworld.com/2025/03/06/tcpa-class-action-filings-explode-the-massive-final-numbers-are-in-for-2024-and-january-2025-numbers-are-insane/ |title=TCPA CLASS ACTION FILINGS EXPLODE: The MASSIVE Final Numbers Are In for 2024–And January, 2025 Numbers Are INSANE |website=TCPAWorld |date=2025-03-06 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723193034/https://tcpaworld.com/2025/03/06/tcpa-class-action-filings-explode-the-massive-final-numbers-are-in-for-2024-and-january-2025-numbers-are-insane/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref> | ||
===Arbitration enforcement precedents=== | ===Arbitration enforcement precedents=== | ||
Courts have previously enforced Indeed's arbitration agreements. In '''Gilbert v. Indeed, Inc.''' (2021), the Western District of Texas compelled arbitration of sexual harassment claims under the Federal Arbitration Act.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pospislaw.com/blog/2021/01/22/court-compels-arbitration-of-sexual-harassment-claims-against-indeed/ |title=Court Compels Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Claims Against Indeed |website=Pospis Law, PLLC |date=2021-01-22 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | Courts have previously enforced Indeed's arbitration agreements. In '''Gilbert v. Indeed, Inc.''' (2021), the Western District of Texas compelled arbitration of sexual harassment claims under the Federal Arbitration Act.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pospislaw.com/blog/2021/01/22/court-compels-arbitration-of-sexual-harassment-claims-against-indeed/ |title=Court Compels Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Claims Against Indeed |website=Pospis Law, PLLC |date=2021-01-22 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113024326/https://pospislaw.com/blog/2021/01/22/court-compels-arbitration-of-sexual-harassment-claims-against-indeed/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref> | ||
==Business context== | ==Business context== | ||
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*Q1 2024 HR Technology revenue: $1.83 billion (down 2.5% YoY) | *Q1 2024 HR Technology revenue: $1.83 billion (down 2.5% YoY) | ||
*U.S. HR Tech revenue: $1.25 billion (down 5.0% YoY) | *U.S. HR Tech revenue: $1.25 billion (down 5.0% YoY) | ||
*Paid job ads on Indeed: down 50% YoY<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/indeed-and-glassdoor-revenue-declines-paid-job-ads-down-50 |title=Indeed & Glassdoor revenue declines, paid job ads down 50% |website=Staffing Industry |date=2024-08-13 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | *Paid job ads on Indeed: down 50% YoY<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/indeed-and-glassdoor-revenue-declines-paid-job-ads-down-50 |title=Indeed & Glassdoor revenue declines, paid job ads down 50% |website=Staffing Industry |date=2024-08-13 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250917095537/https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/indeed-and-glassdoor-revenue-declines-paid-job-ads-down-50 |archive-date=17 Sep 2025}}</ref> | ||
Indeed eliminated free job postings for companies using automated posting systems in '''October 2024''', forcing employers into paid sponsorship models costing $300-1,000 per posting.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.augusta.care/hc/en-us/articles/29520796936205-Indeed-Upcoming-Changes-to-Job-Visibility-What-Employers-Need-to-Know | | Indeed eliminated free job postings for companies using automated posting systems in '''October 2024''', forcing employers into paid sponsorship models costing $300-1,000 per posting.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-10-01 |title=Indeed - Upcoming Changes to Job Visibility: What Employers Need to Know |url=https://support.augusta.care/hc/en-us/articles/29520796936205-Indeed-Upcoming-Changes-to-Job-Visibility-What-Employers-Need-to-Know |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0406-0056-05/https://support.augusta.care:443/hc/en-us/articles/29520796936205-Indeed-Understanding-the-Impact-of-October-2024-Changes-on-Your-Job-Posts |archive-date=5 Apr 2026 |access-date=2025-09-10 |website=Augusta}}</ref> | ||
==Consumer impact== | ==Consumer impact== | ||
===Platform exploitation by scammers=== | ===Platform exploitation by scammers=== | ||
The Federal Trade Commission reports task scams caused '''$220 million in losses''' in the first six months of 2024, representing nearly 40% of all job scam reports.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/12/new-ftc-data-show-skyrocketing-consumer-reports-about-game-online-job-scams |title=New FTC Data Show Skyrocketing Consumer Reports About Game-Like Online Job Scams |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> These scams increased from zero reports in 2020 to 5,000 in 2023, then quadrupled to approximately 20,000 in the first half of 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/12/paying-get-paid-gamified-job-scams-drive-record-losses |title=Paying to get paid: gamified job scams drive record losses |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | The Federal Trade Commission reports task scams caused '''$220 million in losses''' in the first six months of 2024, representing nearly 40% of all job scam reports.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/12/new-ftc-data-show-skyrocketing-consumer-reports-about-game-online-job-scams |title=New FTC Data Show Skyrocketing Consumer Reports About Game-Like Online Job Scams |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215220017/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/12/new-ftc-data-show-skyrocketing-consumer-reports-about-game-online-job-scams |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> These scams increased from zero reports in 2020 to 5,000 in 2023, then quadrupled to approximately 20,000 in the first half of 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/12/paying-get-paid-gamified-job-scams-drive-record-losses |title=Paying to get paid: gamified job scams drive record losses |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204133235/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/12/paying-get-paid-gamified-job-scams-drive-record-losses |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
===Consumer complaints=== | ===Consumer complaints=== | ||
Better Business Bureau records show complaints about Indeed's information sharing practices, with one user stating: "Filling out job applications on Indeed has caused a leak in my information as well as others emails from unknown people & or companies never applied for."<ref>{{cite web |title=Indeed {{!}} BBB Complaints |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/job-listing-service/indeed-0825-1000101793/complaints |access-date=2025-09-10 |website=Better Business Bureau}}</ref> | Better Business Bureau records show complaints about Indeed's information sharing practices, with one user stating: "Filling out job applications on Indeed has caused a leak in my information as well as others emails from unknown people & or companies never applied for."<ref>{{cite web |title=Indeed {{!}} BBB Complaints |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/job-listing-service/indeed-0825-1000101793/complaints |access-date=2025-09-10 |website=Better Business Bureau}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240123040757/https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/job-listing-service/indeed-0825-1000101793/complaints Archived])</ref> | ||
Users report receiving "1000 spam calls" after posting resumes on Indeed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.indeed.com |title=Indeed Reviews |website=Trustpilot |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> Indeed maintains an A+ Better Business Bureau rating & 3/5 stars on Trustpilot from 12,123+ reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.indeed.com |title=Indeed is rated "Average" with 3 / 5 on Trustpilot |website=Trustpilot |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | Users report receiving "1000 spam calls" after posting resumes on Indeed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.indeed.com |title=Indeed Reviews |website=Trustpilot |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221104558/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.indeed.com |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> Indeed maintains an A+ Better Business Bureau rating & 3/5 stars on Trustpilot from 12,123+ reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.indeed.com |title=Indeed is rated "Average" with 3 / 5 on Trustpilot |website=Trustpilot |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221104558/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.indeed.com |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
==Industry comparison== | ==Industry comparison== | ||
===Consent practices across platforms=== | ===Consent practices across platforms=== | ||
Major job platforms have adopted unbundled consent mechanisms: | Major job platforms have adopted unbundled consent mechanisms: | ||
*'''LinkedIn''': Uses separate, granular consent checkboxes distinguishing between recruiter outreach & LinkedIn marketing<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/lmsprogramterms |title=LMS Program Terms |website=LinkedIn |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | *'''LinkedIn''': Uses separate, granular consent checkboxes distinguishing between recruiter outreach & LinkedIn marketing<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/lmsprogramterms |title=LMS Program Terms |website=LinkedIn |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250421033050/https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/lmsprogramterms |archive-date=21 Apr 2025}}</ref> | ||
*'''Monster/CareerBuilder''': Following their 2024 merger, overhauled their consent structure with separate controls for different communication types<ref>{{cite web |url=https://resources.careerbuilder.com/employer-blog/careerbuilder-and-monster-close-combination-creating-stronger-job-board-for-talent-and-employers |title=CareerBuilder & Monster close combination |website=CareerBuilder |date=2024-08-01 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | *'''Monster/CareerBuilder''': Following their 2024 merger, overhauled their consent structure with separate controls for different communication types<ref>{{cite web |url=https://resources.careerbuilder.com/employer-blog/careerbuilder-and-monster-close-combination-creating-stronger-job-board-for-talent-and-employers |title=CareerBuilder & Monster close combination |website=CareerBuilder |date=2024-08-01 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117151511/https://resources.careerbuilder.com/employer-blog/careerbuilder-and-monster-close-combination-creating-stronger-job-board-for-talent-and-employers |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref> | ||
*'''ZipRecruiter''': Has distinct opt-ins for their marketing versus employer communications<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ziprecruiter.com/marketplace/terms |title=ZipRecruiter Marketplace Terms |website=ZipRecruiter |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | *'''ZipRecruiter''': Has distinct opt-ins for their marketing versus employer communications<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ziprecruiter.com/marketplace/terms |title=ZipRecruiter Marketplace Terms |website=ZipRecruiter |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220819204317/https://www.ziprecruiter.com/marketplace/terms |archive-date=19 Aug 2022}}</ref> | ||
*'''Glassdoor''': In spite of controversial 2024 changes requiring real names, glassdoor keeps separate consent streams<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/glassdoor-now-wants-your-real-name-and-employer.html |title=Glassdoor now wants your real name & employer |website=Information Age |date=2024-03-27 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | *'''Glassdoor''': In spite of controversial 2024 changes requiring real names, glassdoor keeps separate consent streams<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/glassdoor-now-wants-your-real-name-and-employer.html |title=Glassdoor now wants your real name & employer |website=Information Age |date=2024-03-27 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209222937/https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/glassdoor-now-wants-your-real-name-and-employer.html |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref> | ||
===Privacy expert perspectives=== | ===Privacy expert perspectives=== | ||
The Electronic Frontier Foundation emphasizes that bundled consent represents a [[Dark pattern|''"dark pattern"'']] that subverts user autonomy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/12/privacy-doesnt-stop-when-you-clock-2022-review |title=Privacy Shouldn't Clock Out When You Clock In: 2022 in Review |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2022-12-15 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> The Federal Trade Commission's 2022 report "Bringing Dark Patterns to Light" specifically identified bundling as a problematic practice.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/09/ftc-report-shows-rise-sophisticated-dark-patterns-designed-trick-trap-consumers |title=FTC Report Shows Rise in Sophisticated Dark Patterns Designed to Trick & Trap Consumers |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2022-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | The Electronic Frontier Foundation emphasizes that bundled consent represents a [[Dark pattern|''"dark pattern"'']] that subverts user autonomy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/12/privacy-doesnt-stop-when-you-clock-2022-review |title=Privacy Shouldn't Clock Out When You Clock In: 2022 in Review |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2022-12-15 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218202548/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/12/privacy-doesnt-stop-when-you-clock-2022-review |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref> The Federal Trade Commission's 2022 report "Bringing Dark Patterns to Light" specifically identified bundling as a problematic practice.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/09/ftc-report-shows-rise-sophisticated-dark-patterns-designed-trick-trap-consumers |title=FTC Report Shows Rise in Sophisticated Dark Patterns Designed to Trick & Trap Consumers |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2022-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209011840/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/09/ftc-report-shows-rise-sophisticated-dark-patterns-designed-trick-trap-consumers |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref> | ||
GDPR requirements explicitly mandate granular consent with separate checkboxes for distinct purposes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gdpr.eu/gdpr-consent-requirements/ |title=What are the GDPR consent requirements? |website=GDPR.eu |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> Privacy experts note that "consent must be freely given, specific, informed, & unambiguous" & cannot be bundled.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://transcend.io/blog/explicit-consent |title=A Guide to Collecting Explicit Consent Under GDPR |website=Transcend |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | GDPR requirements explicitly mandate granular consent with separate checkboxes for distinct purposes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gdpr.eu/gdpr-consent-requirements/ |title=What are the GDPR consent requirements? |website=GDPR.eu |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206002142/https://gdpr.eu/gdpr-consent-requirements/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> Privacy experts note that "consent must be freely given, specific, informed, & unambiguous" & cannot be bundled.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://transcend.io/blog/explicit-consent |title=A Guide to Collecting Explicit Consent Under GDPR |website=Transcend |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260113070437/https://transcend.io/blog/explicit-consent |archive-date=13 Jan 2026}}</ref> | ||
==Company response== | ==Company response== | ||
Indeed has not issued standalone press releases addressing the Terms of Service changes or bundled consent practices. The company's official communication consisted of updates to the Indeed Legal page in early September 2025, explaining the Terms had changed, highlighting the arbitration clause, & noting the opt-out option.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal |title=Indeed Legal: Terms of Service |website=Indeed |date=2025-09-07 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | Indeed has not issued standalone press releases addressing the Terms of Service changes or bundled consent practices. The company's official communication consisted of updates to the Indeed Legal page in early September 2025, explaining the Terms had changed, highlighting the arbitration clause, & noting the opt-out option.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal |title=Indeed Legal: Terms of Service |website=Indeed |date=2025-09-07 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221152623/https://www.indeed.com/legal |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
The company's Terms of Service state it is users' "sole responsibility to comply with all TCPA guidelines," shifting liability to employers while emphasizing Indeed is not responsible for employer communication practices.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal |title=Terms of Service |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | The company's Terms of Service state it is users' "sole responsibility to comply with all TCPA guidelines," shifting liability to employers while emphasizing Indeed is not responsible for employer communication practices.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indeed.com/legal |title=Terms of Service |website=Indeed Legal |date=2025-08-22 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221152623/https://www.indeed.com/legal |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
Regarding scams, Indeed states it "never reach[es] out to job seekers to offer employment through phone calls, text messages, or apps like WhatsApp or Telegram."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.indeed.com/hc/en-us/articles/28360944766221-Text-Messages-or-Phone-Calls-Claiming-To-Be-Indeed-It-Might-Be-a-Scam |title=Text Messages or Phone Calls Claiming To Be Indeed? It Might Be a Scam |website=Indeed Support |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | Regarding scams, Indeed states it "never reach[es] out to job seekers to offer employment through phone calls, text messages, or apps like WhatsApp or Telegram."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.indeed.com/hc/en-us/articles/28360944766221-Text-Messages-or-Phone-Calls-Claiming-To-Be-Indeed-It-Might-Be-a-Scam |title=Text Messages or Phone Calls Claiming To Be Indeed? It Might Be a Scam |website=Indeed Support |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918161305/https://support.indeed.com/hc/en-us/articles/28360944766221-Text-Messages-or-Phone-Calls-Claiming-To-Be-Indeed-It-Might-Be-a-Scam |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref> | ||
==Conclusion== | ==Conclusion== | ||
Indeed's bundled consent checkbox creates TCPA compliance risks despite the January 2025 vacation of the FCC's one-to-one consent rule. Legal experts from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner note that ''"consumers must provide individual consent for contact to each specific seller,"'' making Indeed's bundled approach legally problematic even after regulatory changes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/events-insights-news/fccs-new-11-consent-rule-spells-trouble-in-2025.html |title=FCC's new 1:1 consent rule spells trouble in 2025 |website=Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner |date=2025-01-10 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | Indeed's bundled consent checkbox creates TCPA compliance risks despite the January 2025 vacation of the FCC's one-to-one consent rule. Legal experts from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner note that ''"consumers must provide individual consent for contact to each specific seller,"'' making Indeed's bundled approach legally problematic even after regulatory changes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/events-insights-news/fccs-new-11-consent-rule-spells-trouble-in-2025.html |title=FCC's new 1:1 consent rule spells trouble in 2025 |website=Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner |date=2025-01-10 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250915222204/https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/events-insights-news/fccs-new-11-consent-rule-spells-trouble-in-2025.html |archive-date=15 Sep 2025}}</ref> | ||
The practice appears increasingly outdated compared to industry standards, with major competitors implementing granular consent mechanisms. Research indicates '''99% of consumers are unaware they have agreed to arbitration clauses''', with consumer win rates in forced arbitration dropping to just 0.7%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nclc.org/study-99-of-consumers-unaware-they-are-subject-to-forced-arbitration/ |title=Study: 99% of Consumers Unaware they are Subject to Forced Arbitration |website=National Consumer Law Center |date=2022-03-01 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | The practice appears increasingly outdated compared to industry standards, with major competitors implementing granular consent mechanisms. Research indicates '''99% of consumers are unaware they have agreed to arbitration clauses''', with consumer win rates in forced arbitration dropping to just 0.7%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nclc.org/study-99-of-consumers-unaware-they-are-subject-to-forced-arbitration/ |title=Study: 99% of Consumers Unaware they are Subject to Forced Arbitration |website=National Consumer Law Center |date=2022-03-01 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251110133803/https://www.nclc.org/study-99-of-consumers-unaware-they-are-subject-to-forced-arbitration/ |archive-date=10 Nov 2025}}</ref> | ||
The Economic Policy Institute found mandatory arbitration covers '''56.2% of U.S. employees''', with 98% of workers' claims for rights violations disappearing when the only option is private, forced arbitration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.epi.org/publication/the-growing-use-of-mandatory-arbitration-access-to-the-courts-is-now-barred-for-more-than-60-million-american-workers/ |title=The growing use of mandatory arbitration: Access to the courts is now barred for more than 60 million American workers |website=Economic Policy Institute |date=2018-04-06 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | The Economic Policy Institute found mandatory arbitration covers '''56.2% of U.S. employees''', with 98% of workers' claims for rights violations disappearing when the only option is private, forced arbitration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.epi.org/publication/the-growing-use-of-mandatory-arbitration-access-to-the-courts-is-now-barred-for-more-than-60-million-american-workers/ |title=The growing use of mandatory arbitration: Access to the courts is now barred for more than 60 million American workers |website=Economic Policy Institute |date=2018-04-06 |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212095153/https://www.epi.org/publication/the-growing-use-of-mandatory-arbitration-access-to-the-courts-is-now-barred-for-more-than-60-million-american-workers/ |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref> | ||
Consumer advocates including Public Citizen identify mandatory arbitration clauses as "discriminatory & unfair," noting most people subject to pre-dispute arbitration clauses do not know they have waived court access rights.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizen.org/article/mandatory-arbitration-clauses-are-discriminatory-and-unfair/ |title=Mandatory Arbitration Clauses Are Discriminatory & Unfair |website=Public Citizen |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> | Consumer advocates including Public Citizen identify mandatory arbitration clauses as "discriminatory & unfair," noting most people subject to pre-dispute arbitration clauses do not know they have waived court access rights.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizen.org/article/mandatory-arbitration-clauses-are-discriminatory-and-unfair/ |title=Mandatory Arbitration Clauses Are Discriminatory & Unfair |website=Public Citizen |access-date=2025-09-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218162331/https://www.citizen.org/article/mandatory-arbitration-clauses-are-discriminatory-and-unfair/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
==Timeline== | ==Timeline== | ||
| Line 110: | Line 121: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{ | {{Reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Incidents]] | [[Category:Incidents]] | ||
[[Category:Forced | [[Category:Forced arbitration]] | ||
[[Category:End-user license agreements]] | [[Category:End-user license agreements]] | ||
[[Category:Indeed]] | [[Category:Indeed]] | ||
[[Category:2025 incidents]] | [[Category:2025 incidents]] | ||