What the side panel reads and never does
Which pages the side panel reads, what it sends to Opener, what it never does and how to pause it or restrict it for the whole space.
What it is for
The side panel helps you record your work on LinkedIn, but it does nothing on your behalf. This article describes exactly what it reads, what it sends and where its limits are.
How to
You can pause the side panel at any time with the Pause the panel button at the top right of the side panel. While paused, it does not read pages or contact the app, and only a dimmed badge stays on LinkedIn. The pause applies only on this device, until you cancel it with the Turn on button.
An admin sets up the side panel for the whole space in Space settings, section Extension panel:
| Option | What the side panel may do |
|---|---|
| Off | nothing, steps are recorded only in the app |
| Read only | shows who is who, the plan, follow-ups and messages, records nothing |
| Read and write | also records steps, notes, follow-ups, documents and lists, and takes contacts |
The admin confirms a higher level with the side panel declaration. A new space starts with the Off option.
Good to know
What the side panel reads
Only pages you open yourself:
- profile: the profile address and the top card (name, headline, company, location, connection degree),
- people search: the result rows you go through yourself,
- conversation: only the link to the other person's profile, it does not read the message text,
- company page: the company name and website,
- other websites: only the website address without the path, and only when the On this page tab is open.
It reads nothing on other LinkedIn pages and does not read LinkedIn in the background.
What the side panel never does
- It does not click anything on LinkedIn and does not change the page.
- It does not send messages or invitations. It only prepares an invitation in the clipboard.
- It does not scroll or move between pages on its own. It opens the next profile only when you click Next from the plan.
- It saves a profile PDF only when you click Save to PDF on LinkedIn yourself.
Where the data goes
Contact data goes only to Opener in your space, and the same visibility rules apply to it as in the app. The token is stored only in the extension, and web pages cannot access it. Before the first connection, the side panel asks for your consent to this handling of data.
Frequently asked questions
Could the side panel get my LinkedIn account restricted?
The side panel automates nothing and works only with what you open. However, the space and its members are responsible for use in line with LinkedIn's terms, as stated in the declaration that the admin confirms.
What is the difference between a pause and turning the side panel off in the space?
You turn on a pause yourself, on one device. An admin turns the side panel off in the space for all members.