X, previously Twitter, has launched a new feature that allows paid users to verify their accounts using government IDs. The move is in partnership with Israel-based identity verification firm, Au10tix.
While X emphasizes the importance of account authentication to prevent impersonation, the ID-based verification is currently only available for paid users. This raises questions about the company's commitment to providing verification tools for all its users.
Notably, the feature is not available in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and the United Kingdom. This is likely due to the strict data protection laws in these regions.
The support page for X’s verification system states that users with ID verification will receive “prioritized support,” but the term remains ambiguous. There's also a note on verified profiles that confirms government ID verification, which is only visible upon clicking the blue checkmark.
Although the initial roll-out provides almost no tangible benefits, X plans to expedite the review process for checkmarks for users who verify their IDs. They will also be able to frequently change their names, usernames, and profile pictures without losing their verified status.
The move comes after X updated its privacy policy to capture users' biometric data, education, and job history. Coupled with the new ID verification system, this could significantly expand X’s data collection capabilities.
Given the controversies surrounding data privacy and security, especially in the era of increasing cyber threats, is X’s ID-based verification a step in the right direction, or does it introduce more risks than benefits?
X's new ID-based verification system offers a layer of security, particularly against impersonation. However, the exclusivity for paid users and concerns over data protection may limit its effectiveness and raise questions about the platform’s broader commitment to user security.
