Understanding what you share with online platforms has never been more crucial. Recent policy updates from X, formerly known as Twitter, shed light on the importance of being vigilant about the consent you give.

X has surprised many with its updated privacy policy. The major headline? The platform's decision to collect biometric data and details about users' employment and educational histories.

Biometric Data: What Does it Mean?

While the term “biometric” might sound technical, it generally refers to unique physical or behavioral characteristics. These can range from fingerprints, facial features, and iris patterns to voice or gait. X's stated purpose for collecting such data is “safety, security, and identification.” 

Although the exact specifics of the biometric data types remain vague, the potential inclusion of facial features has raised eyebrows, especially given the existing class action lawsuit suggesting wrongful biometric data capture.

Push Towards Authenticity

Since Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, there's been a significant push toward enhancing platform authenticity. Musk's strategy revolves around blue-checkmarked premium users, who pay a monthly fee and undergo an additional verification layer. This involves providing a government ID and a picture. X aims to tie accounts to real individuals, fighting impersonation and boosting overall trust.

Diversifying Platform Features

Apart from data-related changes, X is evolving in terms of its service offerings. Users will soon be able to make video and audio calls without sharing phone numbers, alluding to Musk's vision of an “everything app.”

Employment & Education Data: Why?

With X's interest in users' employment histories, educational backgrounds, and job preferences, it's evident the platform is exploring the job recommendation and application space. Such data can enable X to tailor job recommendations, link users with potential employers, and curate advertising more effectively. Given the recent beta launch of a hiring feature, this move seems aligned with X's broader vision.

Conclusion

Remember, consent is central to these changes. As users, it's essential to familiarize yourself with privacy policies and comprehend the data you’re consenting to share. The subtle transition from Twitter to X and the introduction of these policy changes emphasize the platform's evolving nature and the need for user awareness.

As X ventures into new data territories, users must remain informed and proactive. Platforms evolve, and so do their data collection practices. Before you click “I Agree,” ensure you know what you're agreeing to. 

Sources:

Bloomberg

The Verge