Twitter wants to collect your biometric data – and employment history

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, plans to start collecting users’ biometric data.

The update to its privacy policy, which will come into effect on September 29, does not specify what type of biometric information, but smartphones typically enable the use of facial recognition and fingerprint ID. Other forms of biometric data include eye and voice recognition.

The update to its policy said: ‘Based on your consent, we may collect and use your biometric information for safety, security, and identification purposes.’

However, the incoming policy does not provide any further information regarding how the data will be collected. 

‘By seeking to gather millions of users’ biometric information, [owner] Elon Musk is drawing a huge target sign on X,’ said NordVPN cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven.

‘The era of the password is fast being replaced by one in which our fingerprints and retinas hold the keys to our online security, and cybercriminals are already waiting at the gates.

‘With a giant stockpile of uniquely personal information, the security of X’s data storage will come under renewed scrutiny. In the event of a breach, it will no longer be just a case of requesting affected users to change their passwords, their identities could be compromised forever.’

Twitter was bought last year by SpaceX and Tesla owner Elon Musk, who pledged to crack down on inauthentic accounts. 

‘While gathering biometrics could help in Musk’s goal to eliminate fake or bot accounts, it is also likely to put extra pressure on X’s free users to subscribe to its paid-for service for additional security,’ added Mr Warmenhoven. ‘Earlier this year the company decided to limit [mobile number] two-factor authentication to members of X Premium.’

In addition to biometric information, the updated privacy policy also states it will collect information to help recommend jobs.

The policy reads: ‘We may collect and use your personal information (such as your employment history, educational history, employment preferences, skills and abilities, job search activity and engagement, and so on) to recommend potential jobs for you, to share with potential employers when you apply for a job, to enable employers to find potential candidates, and to show you more relevant advertising.’

However, it has not stated how this information will be collected.

Metro.co.uk has contacted Twitter/X for comment.

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