by Elon Musk is always making headlines due to one or another statement or act of his. Now, his social media platform X, or as previously called Twitter, before Elon bought it, is in the news.
On 29th September 2023, X sent into effect its updated privacy policy. This new policy has been raising eyebrows and concerns globally because of one key point.
Under the section relating to the information they collect, the privacy
y policy on X’s website reads:
“Biometric Information. Based on your consent, we may collect and use your biometric information for safety, security, and identification purposes.”
As is made obvious, X plans on conducting selfie verification to collect biometric face verification data. X is also demanding employment details from its users.
The question that arises here focuses directly on why X wants this data and what will the social media platform do after asking for biometric selfie verification and with your job history? Is X doing this simply to innovate for a more personalized future, or is the company taking the slippery route to venture into ethically precarious territory?
X may have outlined potential collection of selfie verification data, however, the details on the specific scope remain vague.
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But, here’s what we know
According to Al Jazeera. X plans on asking users, particularly those using its X Blue services, for facial media. These pictures and videos will then be used for selfie verification. However, as the standard practice of selfie verification and other facial ID methods goes, the platform will also demand users for photo IDs issued by the government. Selfie verification uses these two forms of pictures/videos to compare them against one another. It also checks for the authenticity of the government ID.
X in particular has chosen the Israeli company, AU10TIX, to conduct its facial ID verification processing.
Why is X collecting this data?
The second part of the statement, from the website, highlights the intention behind the collection of this data. X states that it wants to offer safety and security to its users via selfie verification.
Online Face Verification: The question mark still remains..
While X may state that the collection of this highly sensitive data is for “safety, security, and identification purposes,” possibilities like quick passwordless logins where users, but also hackers, can use facial recognition or fingerprint scans come to mind. These questions relate to potential misuse, especially in relation to target advertising and biased profiling by employers.
To add on, X collecting employment data adds on another layer of complexity to this.
The company suggests that it will use this information to recommend potential jobs. X plans on sharing this information with potential employers upon applications, and even helping employers discover potential candidates. While this might seem harmless and even maybe convenient for job seekers, the fact remains that X is a social media site often hosting controversial political discussions. Individuals’ personal, controversial opinions conflicting with employers’ opinions can send the job market into a frenzy.
The longer game
While thinking of this, one may think “Is it X or LinkedIn? What does employment history have to do with a social media site?” The answer comes from Elon Musk himself.
Elon Musk’s vision and dream for X is to make it an “everything app” where he wants it to replace everything from YouTube to your bank. This means that X will be encompassing various online services. The recent beta launch of a new hiring feature and the company’s plans for calls without phone numbers further go on to solidify this ambition. Furthermore, each new feature necessitates the incorporation of additional data, privacy, and X’s evolving identity.
KYC face verification and the effects on the average X users
Face verification it remains essential to remember that none of these data collection policies and practices can be run without user consent. Until you choose to submit your data, your data can not be collected.
While this data collection may be a benefit for you, it is your choice if you want to go for it or not.
However,
- Sharing your pictures for selfie verification can make log-ins easier.
- Selfie verification can help you get rid of having to remember passwords. It can also make resetting passwords or other processes easier.
- Similarly, if X is planning to become an “everything app” having your job history and employment data online right now can be a massive step up. When the use of X as a job app becomes more mainstream, having your data up and online earlier will help you access better opportunities in comparison to those that join the race later.
To sum up
X’s entry into collecting online face liveness verification data and employment history is a big and bold move. With rightful concerns coming up from tech ethicists and the general public, this move can be controversial. However, if X is driven by its ambitions for personalized experiences and an “everything app” vision, it can be a step towards building a better tech space. Though, all your data going to one company can risk freedom of choice and movement. The same goes for safety and security for the general public.
Ultimately, only time will tell us if X’s data ambitions create a convenient and personalized future… or if they kickstart an era of privacy concerns and ethical dilemmas.
