Other Technology | September 5, 2023
X, formerly known as Twitter, has updated its privacy policies to collect more data from its users, including your biometric data. The social media platform, owned by Elon Musk, explained on its website that this information will be used “for security and identification purposes,” provided that the user gives their consent.
Twitter has stated that this change will take effect starting on September 29. The company has not provided specific details on what is included in “biometric data,” but the term is typically used to refer to the recording of facial features, eyes, or fingerprints.
For now, the collection of biometric data will be limited to premium users. “X will provide the option to provide government-issued ID, combined with a selfie, to add a layer of verification,” the social media platform added in a statement. They argued that this will help the platform combat identity theft attempts.
Twitter’s new policy also allows it to collect information about users’ employment and educational history. The company will use this data to power its own job board, X Hiring. This way, it can recommend job opportunities to users and suggest potential candidates to employers.
Elon Musk has been adamant about his priority to eliminate fake accounts on Twitter. In this regard, the social media platform introduced a subscription model earlier this year, requiring users to pay $8 per month. This allows users to receive the blue verification badge on their accounts and demonstrate that they are genuine users, according to the company.
Musk has also expressed his desire to turn Twitter into a “super app” or an “app for everything.” The most common reference is WeChat, a Chinese messaging service that also offers online payment, video calls, online shopping, and email services.
Twitter began working on a payment system earlier this year, and the Financial Times reported that it was already seeking regulatory licenses in the United States.
Elon Musk also announced on Thursday that Twitter will soon feature audio calls and video calls. The billionaire stated on his profile that this new feature will have “a unique set of factors.”
