X Social Network to Collect Biometric and Employment Data

The social network previously known as Twitter, now X, has updated its privacy policy, introducing new categories of user data it plans to collect. This includes biometric data and employment details.

“Based on your consent, we may collect and use your biometric information for safety, security, and identification purposes,” X stated in the amended policy guidelines. It, however, didn’t clearly define what it considers to be biometric data although in general terms biometric data is associated with facial, eye and fingerprint data.

The San Francisco-based company did not respond immediately to requests for clarification on this new policy shift.

Social media platforms have been under scrutiny for their data collection and utilization practices by users and regulators globally. These practices include targeted advertising based on a user's search history and interests.

The methodology and purpose for the biometric data collection by X remains undisclosed. Elon Musk, the owner of X, stated prior that his priority includes eliminating inauthitive accounts and encouraging users to adopt services that apply verification, signified by a blue checkmark.

The revised policy also indicates that X will collect users’ job and education historical data. This will be used to suggest potential job offers, facilitate job applications and employer research, and also to target advertising more effectively.

In contrast, the former policy that lasted until September 29, had no mentions of biometric or job and education history data.

Earlier this year, a proposed class-action lawsuit claimed that X unlawfully obtained and used Illinois residents' biometric data without their consent.