In a recent development, X, previously recognised as Twitter, has announced amendments to its privacy policy, ushering in changes that include the collection of employment history and biometric data.
The updated privacy policy also outlines X’s intention to potentially gather information related to users’ employment and educational histories. This data collection is proposed to be used for the purpose of suggesting job opportunities to users and facilitating their job applications, possibly with the aim of venturing into recruitment services.
Reports suggest that X Corp, under the ownership of Elon Musk, had acquired a tech recruiting service named Laskie in May. This acquisition marked a significant step for X as it expanded its services beyond its original scope.
The revised privacy policy is scheduled to come into effect on September 29th and states, “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.”
Why collect employment history?
Twitter seems to be gearing up for a new feature that enables verified organisations using the platform to showcase job openings on their profiles.
While Twitter has not formally unveiled this job posting feature, some verified organisations have already been granted the ability to display job listings beneath their Twitter bios on their profiles. These listings conveniently direct potential applicants to the company’s website, where they can explore job details and submit their applications.
X: What does the future look like?
Regarding the collection of biometric data, which encompasses physical attributes like facial scans and fingerprints, X clarified that this would specifically apply to X Premium users. X explained to the BBC that users of X Premium would have the option to provide their government ID and a selfie for identity verification. Biometric data could then be extracted from both the government ID and the selfie to enhance security and combat impersonation attempts.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, also reiterated the platform’s plans to introduce video and audio calling features, emphasising that these features would be compatible with various devices, including iOS, Android, Mac, and PC. Notably, Musk emphasised that no phone number would be required for this feature, positioning X as a versatile global communication platform.
While Musk envisions X transforming into an “everything app,” offering a wide range of services, including these new communication features, a specific release date for the calling functionality was not disclosed. As X continues to evolve and expand its offerings, further updates to its privacy policy may follow suit.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
