Elon Musk’s X to Gather Biometric Data and Employment Information
X has updated its privacy policy to include the collection of users’ biometric and employment history. X states that this biometric data may be stored and utilized for purposes related to safety, security, and identification.
The social media platform formerly known as Twitter, now referred to as X, has updated its privacy policy. According to the Thursday update, X plans to begin gathering biometric and employment data from its users. These changes are set to take effect on September 29th and have not been implemented yet.
In a recent update to its privacy policy, the company, known as X, has introduced changes regarding the collection and utilization of user data. Notably, the updated policy now states that X may store and employ biometric data for purposes related to safety, security, and user identification.
However, the specifics of how X intends to use this biometric information remain unclear. Typically, online platforms utilize biometrics like fingerprints or facial scans for user authentication during sign-ins or transactions, particularly in the realm of banking and payments.
One potential method for X to collect biometric data is through user photos or videos, possibly by requesting access to their device’s camera. Nevertheless, X has yet to provide a detailed explanation of this system’s operation.
Moreover, the updated privacy policy indicates that X may also gather and utilize data related to users’ employment history and preferences. This data could be employed to recommend job opportunities, potentially positioning X as a competitor to Microsoft-owned LinkedIn.
X’s privacy policy states, “We may collect and use your personal information, such as employment history, educational background, employment preferences, skills, job search activities, and engagement, to suggest potential job openings, share with prospective employers during job applications, facilitate employer searches for potential candidates, and display more relevant advertising.”
Under the leadership of Elon Musk, X has been actively expanding its scope beyond social media, messaging, and audio content into domains such as financial services and recruitment. Notably, the company reportedly acquired Laskie, a job recruitment tool, last year, marking its first acquisition since Musk’s acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion in 2022.
It’s worth mentioning that Musk is no longer the CEO of X; he handed over the reins to former NBC Universal Chairman of Advertising and Partnerships, Linda Yaccarino, in June.
