The social media platform X has introduced new data plans in its recently updated privacy policy. In what seems like an aggressive push for more user information, X seeks to collect data that includes user biometrics. The platform indicates biometric information will be used for safety, security, and identification purposes.
However, the new privacy policy does not detail what X believes constitutes biometric data. Usually, biometric information collected by other platforms includes fingerprints, eyes, and user’s faces. Crucially, X has openly pointed out that this data will be collected based on user consent.
Kenyans will be particularly wary of this with the ongoing controversy over Worldcoin data collection.
In other reports, X is working on ID verification. Users would need to provide both a current selfie and their government-issued ID, with X reportedly looking to outsource its ID confirmation to a third-party company.
Privacy Policy to Improve X Hiring
Having recently rolled out X hiring, the social media company is looking to collect more employment information. X plans to collect data on users educational background and career paths.
“We may collect and use your personal information (such as your employment history, educational history, employment preferences, skills and abilities, job search activity and engagement, and so on) to recommend potential jobs for you, to share with potential employers when you apply for a job, to enable employers to find potential candidates, and to show you more relevant advertising,” according to the updated privacy policy.
This aspect may explain how X hiring plans to close the gap on LinkedIn which has more user data relevant to the hiring process.
Users on X should note that the platform holds profile information and content for the duration an account exists. In addition, X generally keeps other personally identifiable data collected from users for a maximum of 18 months.
