In a recent announcement, X (formerly known as Twitter) revealed its plans to collect users’ biometric data, as well as their education and job history. The company’s updated privacy policy, set to take effect on September 29, states that with user consent, X will collect and use biometric information for safety, security, and identification purposes. While X has not provided specific details on how it plans to collect biometric data, it is believed to include physical characteristics such as facial recognition or fingerprints. X’s decision comes amidst a proposed class action lawsuit accusing the company of wrongfully capturing and using biometric data without consent. Additionally, the updated policy mentions that X will also start storing users’ employment and education history, likely related to its beta feature that allows verified organizations to post job listings on their profiles. Overall, this move aligns with X’s goal of transforming into a multifunctional “everything app.”
Introduction
X, formerly known as Twitter, has recently announced a significant change in its privacy policy, stating its intention to collect users’ biometric data. Alongside this, the company also plans to gather users’ job and education history. These changes are set to take effect on September 29. X aims to utilize this biometric information for safety, security, and identification purposes, although specific details regarding the collection process and the precise nature of the biometric data have not been disclosed.
Change in privacy policy
X’s updated privacy policy reveals the company’s decision to collect users’ biometric data, sparking both curiosity and concern. This policy modification has raised questions about privacy and the potential implications of storing such personal information. While X has not specified the exact nature of the biometric data it plans to collect, it is often associated with a person’s physical characteristics, such as their face or fingerprints. Despite the lack of detail in the policy, X has assured users that this new feature will only apply to premium users who opt-in to provide their biometric information.
Biometric information for premium users
X has clarified that premium users will have the option to submit their government ID and an image as part of the biometric data collection process. This additional layer of verification is intended to enhance account security and prevent impersonation attempts. Biometric data may be extracted from both the ID and image in order to establish a match. By processing users’ government-issued ID, X aims to tie an account to a real person, thus adding an extra level of authenticity and security to the platform.
Potential use of government ID and image for verification
X’s decision to include government ID and images as a means of biometric data collection is a strategic move aimed at combating impersonation attempts. By providing users with the option to submit these materials, X seeks to authenticate the identity of individuals on the platform. This initiative not only enhances security but also ensures that X is better equipped to tackle potential issues related to fake accounts or identity theft. However, concerns regarding the privacy and security of users’ government-issued identification documents have been raised, and X must address these concerns transparently to maintain user trust.
Fight against impersonation attempts
Impersonation attempts and fake accounts continue to be a significant challenge for online platforms. X’s decision to collect biometric data and utilize government ID and images for verification purposes is a notable step in addressing this issue. By tying accounts to real individuals, X can more effectively identify and remove impersonators from the platform. This measure not only enhances user experience and security but also assists in fostering a more trusted and reliable online environment for all users.
Previous lawsuit regarding wrongful capture of biometric data
X’s recent policy changes have not come without controversy. The company is currently embroiled in a proposed class action lawsuit filed last month. The lawsuit alleges that X wrongfully captured, stored, and used the biometric data of Illinois residents, including facial scans, without their consent. The legal action claims that X failed to adequately inform individuals that their biometric identifiers were being collected and stored through facial recognition technology utilized on the platform. This lawsuit highlights the importance of transparent communication, informed consent, and safeguarding user privacy in the collection and usage of biometric data. X must learn from this experience and prioritize user consent and privacy moving forward.
X plans to collect users’ education and job history
Introduction
In addition to its changes related to biometric data collection, X has also announced its intention to collect users’ education and job history. These new modifications to the privacy policy are closely aligned with X’s aim to transform its platform into an all-encompassing “everything app.” This move positions X as a hub for not only social interaction but also professional networking and job search activities.
New changes in the privacy policy
With the launch of its updated privacy policy, X has made it clear that it will begin storing users’ employment and education history. The policy emphasizes that this information will be used to offer potential job recommendations, share users’ profiles with potential employers, and enable employers to find suitable candidates. Additionally, X intends to leverage this data to display more relevant advertising to its users.
Storage of employment and education history
X’s decision to store users’ employment and education history reflects the company’s effort to provide a comprehensive user experience. By retaining this information, X aims to assist users in their job search activities by recommending suitable opportunities based on their educational background and work experience. While the specific mechanisms through which this data will be stored and utilized have not been detailed, users can anticipate a more personalized and targeted approach to job recommendations and employment-related content on the platform.
Use of personal information for job recommendations
Building on its newly gathered employment and education history data, X plans to offer tailored job recommendations to its users. By leveraging the information provided by users, X can utilize its algorithms and machine learning capabilities to match individuals with relevant job opportunities. This feature has the potential to streamline the job search process and present users with more pertinent options, increasing their chances of finding suitable employment.
Integration of job listings on X profiles
As part of its larger strategy to become an “everything app,” X has introduced a beta feature that allows verified organizations to showcase job listings on their profiles. This integration of job listings serves as a natural extension of the platform’s evolution from a purely social network to a multifaceted platform encompassing various facets of users’ lives. By connecting job seekers directly with verified organizations, X aims to provide a convenient and efficient job search experience for its users.
Conclusion
X’s decision to collect users’ biometric data, alongside education and job history, marks a significant shift in the platform’s approach to personal information. While these changes have sparked concerns over privacy and data security, X’s intentions to enhance user safety, security, and personalization are commendable. The biometric data collection aims to combat impersonation attempts, and the employment and education history collection seeks to improve job recommendations. However, X must prioritize transparency and user consent throughout these data collection processes to maintain and strengthen user trust. As X continues to evolve into an “everything app,” users can anticipate a more tailored and comprehensive experience that blends social networking with professional opportunities.
