Twitter’s Privacy Policy Update Raises Concerns Over Biometric Data Collection
Social media giant Twitter, referred to as “X” in this context, has implemented changes to its privacy policy that have sparked significant user concerns. The updated policy outlines the collection of biometric data as well as information related to users’ employment and education history.
Biometric Data Collection and Uncertainty
Twitter’s new policy explicitly states that “biometric information may be collected and used for security, safety, and identification purposes,” contingent on user consent. However, the policy leaves several crucial questions unanswered. While the term “biometric information” typically encompasses data related to facial features, eyes, and fingerprints in the tech industry, X’s definition remains unspecified. How this data will be collected and for what specific purposes it will be used are also undisclosed. X’s representative acknowledged the policy change but provided no further clarification.
Expanded Data Collection on Employment and Education
In addition to biometric data, Twitter’s updated privacy policy indicates the intention to gather more user information concerning their professional and educational background. This includes details like work and education history, employment preferences, skills, and abilities. The policy outlines potential uses for this data, such as suggesting jobs to users, sharing this information with prospective employers during job applications, assisting employers in identifying suitable candidates, and displaying more pertinent ads to users.
A Significant Departure From the Previous Policy
It’s crucial to note that Twitter’s previous privacy policy made no reference to the collection of biometric data or the gathering of users’ education and employment history. This substantial shift in data collection practices has drawn attention from privacy advocates and users alike, who seek greater transparency and understanding of how their data is handled.
