The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is set to collect users’ biometric and employment information, as stated in its updated privacy policy released on Thursday. These changes are scheduled to take effect on September 29, although they have not been implemented yet.
The revised privacy policy now outlines that X may store and utilize biometric data for purposes related to safety, security, and identification. However, the specific utilization of this biometric data remains unclear. Typically, platforms use biometrics like fingerprints and facial scans for user authentication during sign-in or transactions, as seen in banking and payment companies. While X could potentially collect biometric data through users’ photos or videos by requesting access to their cameras, the operational details of this system have not been disclosed.
In addition to biometric data, X’s updated policy also mentions the collection and use of users’ employment history and preferences. This information could be employed to suggest job opportunities, potentially positioning X as a competitor to Microsoft-owned LinkedIn. X stated, “We may collect and use your personal information, such as your employment history, educational background, employment preferences, skills, job search activity, and engagement, to recommend potential jobs, share with potential employers, enable employer-candidate connections, and display more relevant advertising.”
Under the leadership of Elon Musk, X has been diversifying beyond its social media, messaging, and audio content roots. The company ventured into financial services and recruitment, notably acquiring the job recruitment tool Laskie in the past year, its first acquisition since Musk’s $44 billion purchase of Twitter in 2022. Musk has since stepped down as X’s CEO, passing the role to former NBC Universal Chairman of Advertising and Partnerships, Linda Yaccarino, in June.
X also expanded its horizons by partnering with Israeli stock trading app eToro in April, allowing users to view and trade stocks through eToro’s platforms. Furthermore, X has been obtaining money transmitter licenses in several U.S. states as part of its efforts to launch its own payment features.
(Source: CNBC | TechCrunch)
