X fights impersonation with government ID verification
X fights impersonation with government ID verification
X Launches Government ID Verification for X Premium Subscribers
In an exciting development, X has recently launched government ID verification for its paid X Premium subscribers. Those who had been eagerly waiting for this feature can now finally rejoice, as it has rolled out in numerous countries, including the United States, with more to follow. However, it is worth noting that this service is currently not available in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and the United Kingdom.
A Step Towards Safety and Security
X has introduced this verification process mainly for safety and security purposes. It aims to prevent impersonation and ensure a safer and more secure environment for its users. Additionally, the company envisions using this feature to screen and provide age-appropriate content in the future.
Benefits Galore for Verified Subscribers
Aside from the enhanced safety measures, X Premium subscribers who undergo the government ID verification process will enjoy a host of benefits. These include prioritized support, meaning their inquiries will receive prompt attention. Furthermore, verified accounts will be adorned with a visible label, showcasing the user’s authenticated identity, albeit only when someone clicks on the blue checkmark. In the future, X also plans to expedite the review process for Premium users who have verified their identities.
The Partner in Crime: Au10tix
To facilitate this verification process efficiently, X has partnered with Au10tix, an Israeli-based company specializing in identity verification. The consent form presented to users enables X and Au10tix to utilize images of their ID cards and selfies, including extracted biometric data, solely for the purpose of confirming their identity and ensuring the platform’s safety and security. It is important to note that Au10tix may store such data for a maximum of 30 days.
Revamping the Verification Program
When Elon Musk acquired X (previously known as Twitter), he expressed his intentions to revamp the verification program, limiting the coveted badges to paid users only. However, the initial implementation encountered several roadblocks. Issues such as rampant impersonation and verification marks being assigned to scammers and bots led to further modifications. As a result, the program was altered to grant verification badges to verified organizations and users with a substantial following.
The Role of Au10tix
While X does not conduct ID checks itself, apart from specific provisions for verified organizations, Au10tix touts its cutting-edge identification verification technology. The company boasts an impressive claim of an “8-second verification process without even partial human involvement” and a unique capability to detect synthetic fraud patterns globally. It is worth noting that Au10tix has collaborated with major companies, including Google, PayPal, and Uber, building a strong reputation in the industry.
Privacy Concerns and Investigation
Although X has recently updated its policy to capture certain user information, it has faced criticism regarding privacy issues in the past. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has raised concerns about Elon Musk’s potential compromise of data privacy and security at X, leading to an ongoing investigation into the company and its CEO since March.
In conclusion, the launch of government ID verification for X Premium subscribers is a significant milestone for the social media platform. As X continues to enhance its safety measures, partnering with Au10tix promises a seamless and efficient verification process. However, concerns about privacy and ongoing investigations highlight the need for constant scrutiny and improvement to ensure the protection of users’ data and maintain the trust of the X community.
