The X social network will begin to collect the biometric data and employment information of its users, for what?

2023-09-05 23:28:23

Platform X, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has announced plans to collect biometric data from its users, as well as their employment and educational history. Under the new policy, premium users have the option to provide their ID and a photo.

While this could increase security and reduce the possibility of fake or fraudulent profiles, it also raises legitimate concerns about the privacy and security of this biometric data. According to X Corp, this policy is made for security purposes.

“Based on your consent, we may collect and use your biometric information for security and identification purposes,” the updated policy reads. The collection and authorization of biometric data includes information related to users’ fingerprints, eye scans and faces.

X’s updated policy also includes the collection of users’ employment and educational histories. However, it is claimed that this is done for security purposes “this will help X combat phishing attempts and make the platform more secure,” X said in a statement.

Also read: X (formerly Twitter) will remove the option to block other accounts, why?

The policy indicates that they will collect personal information to improve recommendations and display advertising according to your preferences. “We may collect and use your personal information (such as your employment history, educational history, job preferences, skills and abilities, job search activity and participation, etc.) to recommend potential jobs to you, share it with potential employers when you need to apply for a job , to allow employers to find potential candidates and show you more relevant advertising,” the updated policy reads.

Musk has announced his intention to transform Twitter (X) into what he calls a “super app.” Musk is looking to take it a step further by turning Twitter into a multifunctional app like China’s WeChat app.

WeChat, owned by Tencent, has demonstrated how a single app can encompass a wide range of services and functionalities, from messaging to bill payment, travel booking and product purchase.

Elon Musk sees similar potential in Twitter, where users could perform virtually any task online without ever leaving the app. This would include everything from following news and social interaction to managing work life and finances.

Also read: Does Twitter (or X) have the potential to become an app like WeChat?

To achieve his vision, X may need to access significantly more personal information about users, including biometric data such as fingerprints, as well as details about work and financial lives.

It should be noted that Musk has stated that users will be able to choose whether or not to provide this data. The updated policy will enter into force on September 29.