X to Gather User Biometric Data, Alongside Educational and Employment Background Information
X, previously known as Twitter, is set to commence the collection of users' biometric data, as outlined in its new privacy policy recently brought to attention by Bloomberg. Alongside biometric data, the updated policy also indicates X's intention to gather users' employment and education histories. These policy adjustments are slated to come into effect on September 29.
The updated policy states, "Based on your consent, we may collect and use your biometric information for safety, security, and identification purposes." While X hasn't provided explicit details regarding the nature of the biometric data it seeks to collect, this term typically encompasses an individual's physical characteristics, such as their facial features or fingerprints. Furthermore, X hasn't clarified the methods it plans to employ for data collection.
According to Bloomberg, X has stated that the biometric data collection is intended for premium users and will offer them the option to submit their government identification and an image to establish an additional layer of verification. The biometric data may be extracted from both the government ID and the submitted image for matching purposes. X's objective is to enhance security by linking accounts to real individuals and thwarting impersonation attempts.
In the past, X has faced legal challenges related to biometric data. Last month, the company was named in a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that it wrongfully captured, stored, and utilized biometric data, including facial scans, of Illinois residents without their consent.
The lawsuit argued that X failed to adequately inform individuals that it was collecting and storing their biometric identifiers through photographs containing faces.
In addition to the biometric data alterations, X's updated policy reveals its intention to begin storing users' employment and educational backgrounds. The policy states that this information will be utilized for job-related recommendations, sharing with potential employers when users apply for jobs, assisting employers in finding suitable candidates, and displaying more relevant advertising.
This policy update appears to align with X's beta feature allowing verified organizations on the platform to post job listings on their profiles. As part of Elon Musk's broader vision to transform X into an "everything app," the social media giant has also introduced the official @XHiring account, reflecting its foray into the job market.
