Twitter, now rebranded as X, has been making significant changes under the ownership of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. One of the latest updates to the platform includes the collection of biometric data from its users. This move aims to enhance security and combat identity fraud on the social media giant. In this article, we’ll explore the details of this policy change and its implications.
The Biometric Data Collection Policy
X announced an update to its privacy policy, introducing the collection of biometric data for security and identification purposes. This policy is set to take effect on September 29, 2023. While the company did not explicitly define what falls under “biometric data,” it typically includes facial features, eye patterns, or fingerprints.
It’s important to note that this biometric data collection will only apply to premium users of X. Users will have the option to provide their government-issued identification along with a selfie for verification purposes. X emphasizes that this additional layer of verification will help combat identity theft and make the platform more secure.
Expanding Data Collection
In addition to biometric data, X’s updated policy also allows the platform to collect information regarding users’ work history and educational background. This data will be utilized to enhance the X Hiring feature, a job recommendation system. With this feature, X can suggest job opportunities to users based on their qualifications and even share this information with potential employers.
Elon Musk’s Vision for X
Elon Musk has been vocal about his desire to eliminate fake accounts on X. Earlier this year, the platform introduced a subscription model, costing $8 per month, to allow users to obtain a blue verification badge, proving their authenticity. This move aimed to distinguish genuine users from fake or spam accounts.
Furthermore, Musk envisions transforming X into a “super app” or an all-in-one application similar to WeChat, the popular Chinese messaging service. WeChat not only offers messaging services but also includes features like online payments, video calls, online shopping, and email services.
Musk’s plans for X don’t stop there. He recently announced that the platform will soon introduce audio calls and video calls, teasing a “unique set of factors” for this upcoming feature.
Conclusion
X’s transition from Twitter is bringing about substantial changes to the social media landscape. The collection of biometric data, although limited to premium users, represents a significant shift in the platform’s privacy policy. As X evolves into a comprehensive “super app,” users can expect further developments and innovative features in the near future.
Stay tuned for updates on how these changes will affect the user experience and security on X as the platform continues to redefine the world of social media.
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