PC Magazine has reported that X, previously known as Twitter, will soon require its Blue users to provide a selfie and a copy of a government-issued identification.
This is a part of the verification process that will be handled by an Israeli company AU10TIX software which will store the provided information for up to 30 days.
According to X, data collected from a user’s profile will be used “for the purpose of safety and security, including preventing impersonation”.
X users have expressed their concerns with data collection due to previous instances of data breach. Others are unhappy about the software’s links with Israeli intelligence.
Al-Jazeera reports that AU10TIX has helped create the identity verification systems for airports and border controls in the 1980s and 90s and then ventured into “digital spaces” in 2002 as the internet grew. The company now deals with renowned digital platforms like Uber, PayPal and Google.
The purpose of the new verification process is to further strengthen security against impersonation and fraud.
Previously, Musk imposed a subscription fee on verified Twitter users in November 2022. This was extended to accounts with a verified phone number and active subscription to an “eligible Twitter Blue plan”.
This year, in April, Twitter removed legacy verification programmes as well as legacy verified checkmarks.
This prompted a fear of impersonation and spreading of information.
This was followed by gold and grey check marks indicating verified organization and government- affiliated accounts, respectively.
