Microblogging site X (previously Twitter) is in trouble after rolling out what is seen as a new humiliating Terms of Service. These rules have been planned to come into force on December 1, 2024, are critically discussed, and users are charged with overreaction and privacy violations.
Key Changes Sparking Concerns
The new TOS enables X to solicit a wide variety of personal data, such as biometric data and employment data, among others. While the company says this will provide a higher level of user security and better-personalised services, others see this as interference.
Another change that triggered controversies is the enhanced usage of third parties, such as advertisers' data sharing. Opponents claimed this may lead to increased exposure to misuse of user data exceeding any privacy concerns that X has been accused of in the past.
Those are the provisions that help to pay for the specific features that amplify the situation.
This is because X has also associated several core elements with X Premium, a subscription service many accuse the platform of making to have a “pay-to-play” model. Basic post-privacy settings or access to the advanced features are hidden behind the paywall while long-time users are frustrated.
Mass Exodus in Progress?
That has been vocal on other platforms, such as Mastodon and Bluesky, calling on people to begin moving to other platforms. Some of them have reportedly logged their X accounts out due to what they perceive to be an invasion of privacy, not to mention that X has recently been turning into a money-making machine.
Company’s Defence
X has supported the changes, claiming that they fit into practices in the industry and are necessary for the platform's health. Nonetheless, people do not believe this, considering the change as ushering towards opaqueness and user-centric policies.
The Bigger Picture
However, when X is experiencing dwindling levels of trust on the part of its users, it is important to ask whether the platform can regain its users. The new TOS has sparked a discussion in IP: Innovations vs. Privacy. Where is X going, or where is it leading users?
