X, formerly known as Twitter, is set to implement a new privacy policy that has raised concerns as it includes the collection of users’ biometric data, along with their job and education histories. This policy change, which is scheduled to take effect on September 29, aims to collect biometric information for safety, security, and identification purposes, although the company has not provided specific details on how this data will be obtained.
The move is targeted primarily at premium users who will have the option to submit government IDs and images to add an additional layer of verification. X states that this measure will help fight impersonation attempts and enhance platform security.
This announcement comes in the midst of legal troubles for X, as it faces a proposed class action lawsuit alleging the unauthorized capture, storage, and use of biometric data from Illinois residents, including facial scans, without their consent. Critics argue that X has not sufficiently informed individuals about the collection of biometric identifiers from photographs containing faces.
Additionally, X’s updated policy reveals that it will begin storing users’ employment and education histories. This decision is aligned with X’s recent introduction of a beta feature allowing verified organizations on the platform to post job listings on their profiles, part of the broader initiative to transform X into a comprehensive “everything app” under the leadership of CEO Elon Musk. Despite the scrutiny and concerns raised, X has not yet commented on the matter.
