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San Francisco, California – X (Formerly Twitter), is set to introduce a significant update to its privacy policy, allowing the collection of biometric data from its users. This biometric data may include photographs of users’ faces. Users subscribed to X Premium, the platform’s subscription service, can provide a selfie and photo ID for verification purposes.
The updated policy also mentions the potential collection of employment and educational history. X has stated that this additional data will be used to “recommend potential jobs” and facilitate users in sharing this information with potential employers during job applications. Speculation has arisen that X may be aiming to enter the recruitment services sector.
In May, X Corp made headlines by acquiring Laskie, a tech recruiting service. This marked the first acquisition following Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter last year for $44 billion (£34.7 billion).
The revised privacy policy is scheduled to take effect on September 29, 2023. It emphasizes collecting and utilizing personal information related to employment history, education, employment preferences, skills, job search activity, and engagement to enhance job recommendations, connect potential employers with candidates, and deliver more relevant advertisements.
Liberty Vittert, a professor of the practice of data science at Washington University in St. Louis, suggested that X’s move aligns with its goal of providing “more targeted and individual experiences for users,” possibly competing with platforms like LinkedIn. However, she cautioned users to be cautious about potential misuse, such as employers making job-related decisions based on tweets, retweets, or accounts followed.
Dr. Stephanie Hare, a tech ethics researcher, referred to the data collection as a “massive data grab” but noted that since it’s optional for users, it doesn’t pose significant civil liberties concerns.
X clarified that the collection of biometric data, including facial scans, applies exclusively to X Premium users. The company explained that users could choose to provide their government ID, combined with a selfie, to add an additional layer of verification. This biometric data, extracted from both the government ID and selfie, will enhance security measures and help prevent impersonation on the platform.
Elon Musk, X’s CEO, also confirmed the platform’s plans to introduce video and audio call features, available across various devices without needing a phone number. Musk described X as the “effective global address book,” positioning it as an all-encompassing platform for a range of online services. However, no specific release date for the calling feature was provided.
Notably, TikTok in the United States already collects biometric data, including faceprints and voiceprints, according to its privacy policy. While the company has stated that it does not use this data to identify individuals, the debate over the ethical implications of biometric data collection remains ongoing.
As X continues to evolve and expand its offerings, the inclusion of additional features and corresponding updates to its privacy policy may be on the horizon. Elon Musk’s vision for X as an “everything app” reflects a broader trend among tech companies striving to create multifunctional platforms that cater to a wide range of user needs. While these developments aim to enhance user experiences and convenience, they also raise concerns about data privacy and potential misuse of collected information.
The move to collect biometric data, particularly facial scans, highlights the growing importance of digital identity verification for online platforms. This feature can help combat issues like impersonation and fraudulent accounts. However, it also underscores the delicate balance between user security and privacy.
As X Premium users consider whether to provide biometric data, they will need to weigh the convenience of enhanced account security against potential privacy concerns. Additionally, the platform’s foray into facilitating job recommendations and connections between job seekers and employers could have significant implications for the recruitment industry.
While X’s aspirations for an all-encompassing digital experience are ambitious, the company will face ongoing scrutiny and questions about how it handles user data and the extent to which it respects individual privacy rights. The evolving landscape of data privacy regulations and user expectations will undoubtedly influence X’s approach in the coming years.
