X’s Innovative Leap: Biometrics, AI, and Shaping the Everything-App
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media and tech giants, X, previously known as Twitter, is taking significant strides towards becoming an all-encompassing super app. Under the visionary leadership of Elon Musk, X’s revamped privacy policy has unveiled a series of ambitious data collection plans, including biometric data and employment history. As X journeys towards becoming an “everything app,” it seeks to harness the power of data to revolutionise job matching, AI development, and more.
Unlocking Biometric Insights
A striking element of X’s revamped privacy policy is the inclusion of biometric data collection. Though “biometrics” remains somewhat vague in X’s approach, it commonly refers to data derived from facial recognition, fingerprint scans, and even iris patterns. With this move, X aims to bolster users’ safety, security, and identification measures. However, the specifics of how biometric data will be integrated and utilised within the platform remain undisclosed.
The X Premium subscription service, an integral part of X’s grand vision, is set to offer users the option to provide government-issued identification along with a selfie for verification. This novel approach enhances security and enables the platform to combat impersonation attempts, instilling user confidence effectively.
Empowering Job Recommendations and AI
X’s updated privacy policy introduces a transformative agenda beyond biometrics. The platform intends to explore users’ professional lives by collecting employment history, educational backgrounds, job search activity, skills, and more. This trove of data will serve as a foundation for X’s ambitious job recommendation feature. By leveraging this information, X aims to connect users with potential job opportunities while sharing their profiles with prospective employers.
Furthermore, the collected data is poised to fuel machine learning and AI endeavours. As AI becomes increasingly integral to tech platforms, X joins the ranks of companies harnessing user data to train models that drive personalised experiences. However, privacy advocates stress the importance of granting users greater control over how their data is employed in AI development.
The Road to an “Everything App”
X’s transformation into an all-in-one super app echoes Elon Musk’s broader vision for the platform. The revised privacy policy, effective September 29, marks a crucial step in X’s journey towards diversifying its offerings. This evolution goes beyond social media, incorporating finance, job searches, communication, and more into a singular platform.
X recently secured a currency transmitter license in Rhode Island to fortify this vision, a move vital for handling user-related financial activities, including cryptocurrencies. While Musk categorically denied any intention of launching X’s cryptocurrency, his aspiration for an “everything app” draws inspiration from the success of platforms like WeChat in China. WeChat’s multifaceted functionality, which includes messaging, payments, and games, serves as a blueprint for Musk’s ambitious aspirations.
User Concerns and Future Prospects
Data privacy concerns and potential misuse arise as X becomes a comprehensive app. Collecting biometric data and detailed employment histories raises valid questions about user consent and the ethical implications of data usage. While Musk’s vision of integrating features like audio and video calls holds promise, the success of X’s transformation hinges on user adoption and the platform’s ability to establish trust.
In conclusion, X’s strategic shift towards data collection, biometrics, and AI training reflects a broader ambition to redefine what a social media platform can offer. The allure of becoming an “everything app” capable of catering to diverse user needs propels X into a new era of digital innovation. As the platform navigates the delicate balance between innovation and user privacy, its journey resonates as a significant chapter in the evolving narrative of the tech industry.
