X, formerly known as Twitter, has recently announced updates to its privacy policy that allows the collection of biometric data, specifically users’ facial scans, and employment and educational history. This move has raised concerns about user privacy and data security, as well as the potential misuse of this data for recruiting purposes.
The updated privacy policy states that X may collect and use personal information, including employment history, educational background, skills, and job search activity, to recommend potential jobs to users, share information with potential employers during the job application process, enable employers to find potential candidates, and display more relevant advertisements. This indicates that X may be planning to venture into recruitment services.
X Premium users will have the option to provide a selfie and photo ID for verification purposes. The company claims that this biometric data collection is for authentication and security purposes, aiming to prevent impersonation attempts and make the platform more secure. However, critics worry about the potential risks associated with collecting and storing biometric data, as it can be vulnerable to breaches and misuse.
This update comes after X Corp’s acquisition of Laskie, a tech recruiting service, earlier this year. The acquisition sparked speculations about X’s intentions to expand into recruitment services. It is interesting to note that X Corp was bought by Elon Musk, who has expressed his vision of turning X into an “everything app” that offers various services beyond social media.
While the new privacy policy is set to come into force on September 29th, concerns about privacy and data security persist. Collecting biometric data without prominent consent from users raises questions about the protection of personal information and the potential for surveillance. Additionally, the use of biometric data for authentication purposes poses concerns about the level of security and the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.
In an effort to further enhance its offerings, X plans to introduce video and audio calling features in the future. This move aims to position X as a comprehensive communication platform. However, the lack of a specified release date for these calling features leaves users with uncertain expectations.
As users, it is important to be cautious when sharing personal information and consider the potential risks associated with the collection of biometric data. We should carefully evaluate the necessity and potential benefits of providing such information to platforms like X. Being informed about the privacy policies and terms of service of social media platforms helps users make informed decisions about the extent to which they are comfortable sharing their personal data.
Governments and regulatory bodies should also closely monitor the collection and use of biometric data by social media platforms. Robust regulations and oversight are necessary to ensure the protection of user privacy and prevent the misuse of sensitive personal information. Transparency and accountability should be prioritized to build trust between users and platform operators.
Ultimately, the collection of biometric and employment data by X raises important concerns about privacy, security, and the potential commercialization of personal information. Users and authorities must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the protection of personal data in an increasingly data-driven world.
