X, previously known as Twitter has been reported to be planning an update to its privacy policy, which would include added collections of biometric data, as well as job and work history.
While details on biometric data collection are scarce at the time of writing, it’s assumed that the new collection will be in the form of individual physical attributes, like facial structures and fingerprints — although methods for capture have not yet been specified.
The update has been proposed with the objective of enhanced safety, security and identification. One existing example is that of premium members being able to provide government-issued IDs one exchange for an additional layer of verification said to thwart impersonators.
Although all of these updates will require consent, there is already some pushback from current users and it’s not the first time. In a recent class action lawsuit, X faced allegations from Illinois residents who claimed the platform unlawfully accumulated, stored and used biometric data.
As for the interest in employment and education data, it appears it has less to do with security and more to do with Elon Musk‘s goal to make X an “everything app.” One of the latest steps in this grand plan is the new XHiring page, which was created so “Verified Organizations can feature critical roles on their profile and organically reach millions of relevant candidates.”
While X hasn’t shared any great detail on the new policy at the time of writing, it is expected to start implementing aspects of it beginning September 29.
In other tech news, Snapchat launches immersive generative AI feature Dreams.
