X, formerly known as Twitter, has rolled out a novel government ID-based account verification system exclusively for its premium users.
TechCrunch reports that the move aims to combat impersonation while offering a unique advantage: "prioritized support."
In collaboration with Israeli tech firm Au10tix, X has taken a significant step to fortify the authenticity of user profiles.
Identity Verification
Based on data from an internal review of Twitter bot percentages in May 2022, less than 5% of its users are fake or spam bots. When all good and bad bots are considered, the number is roughly 15%.
As the battle against impersonation and malicious accounts rages on, X has taken a proactive stance by introducing government ID-based verification.
This feature empowers users with premium plans to confirm their authentic identities, setting them apart from anonymous accounts populating the platform.
This endeavor has been made possible through a partnership with Au10tix, a renowned player in the identity verification sector.
When users encounter the ID verification pop-up, it is essential to note that Au10tix may retain this data for up to 30 days. This collaboration promises to provide an added layer of security to the platform.
Geographical Restrictions and Data Protection
While the ID verification service is available in numerous countries, it is conspicuously absent in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and the United Kingdom.
This omission is primarily attributed to the stringent data protection laws that govern these regions, which present unique challenges for handling user data.
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The Potential Benefits
Currently, the ID-based verification system offers a somewhat limited set of benefits.
One intriguing possibility is the introduction of age-restricted content based on the age information derived from the verified ID.
TechCrunch tells us that X has hinted at exploring additional measures, including ensuring access to age-appropriate content and bolstering defenses against spam and malicious accounts.
One of the intriguing aspects of this initiative is the promise of "prioritized support from X Services."
While the exact nature of this exclusive benefit remains shrouded in mystery, it opens up exciting possibilities for premium users who seek enhanced assistance and engagement with the platform.
Verification Badge
Users who successfully complete the verification process will sport a distinctive badge on their profiles, proudly announcing that their government ID has been verified.
However, this verification badge is not prominently displayed; it can only be viewed by clicking on the blue checkmark icon on the user's profile page.
Latest from X
Recently, X has made significant changes to its privacy policy, which includes the potential collection of users' biometric data, education, and job history.
As X stated, this move aims to tie accounts to real individuals by processing their government-issued IDs, further fortifying the platform against impersonation attempts and enhancing overall security.
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